I have a Blind Spot as a Leader

I have a blind spot as a leader. 

I am friends with my direct reports. 

I have been invited to one of their weddings. 

I have visited their homes and met their families. 

I started as their boss and I have become their friends. 

But I don’t think my blind spot is that I play favorites or am too friendly. 

I’ve always been able to give constructive and direct feedback. I actually think my relationships with my team members helps in this regard. They know I care deeply about their success. 

I think my blind spot is I tend to only hire people I like. 

People I don’t mind traveling for business with. 

People who I can share a meal with. 

People who are fun and can make me laugh. 

This means I have historically hired similar personality profiles in the past. 

When I was an AVP, one of the leaders who reported to me wanted to hire a candidate who didn’t fit my typical personality profile. The candidate was introverted, pensive and frankly not as easy for me to connect with. 

Ultimately I told my direct report my opinion but left the final decision with them, the hiring manager. 

The candidate was hired and much to my surprise did tremendously well. The AE connected well with customers, was detail oriented and knew how to execute. 

I was wrong. 

The experience made me realize the AE was successful because not all customers are like me. They are diverse and not everyone wants to buy from an extroverted, gregarious personality. 

This is why diversity in personalities matters.