I want you to know this

Today we’re going to talk about blind spots. 

What, you don’t have any? Are you sure?

Everyone has blind spots, even me and even you…those things we do that we don’t think we do, yet everyone else can see that we do. 

Marshall Goldsmith identified 20 habits we have that hold us back as successful leaders, and as a Marshall Goldsmith Coach I am fully qualified to share them with you, so today I’m going to introduce you to number 1:

ADDING TOO MUCH VALUE
Now you might be wondering…. can you ever add too much value, especially as a leader?
And the answer is Yes.

First of all lets think about how it feels when you add too much value… it feels exhausting, like the work is never ending, like no matter what you do there is always that little bit extra for you to give.

Maybe it’s conversations to get involved in or projects to add your expertise to, whatever it is, it’s mostly to other people’s agenda, not necessarily your own.

Adding too much value looks like coming in early doors and leaving late, working weekends, mostly saying yes when you know that the answer should occasionally be no. Having that sinking feeling when you look at your to do list and realise it’s never ending.

And the reason for this is because you’re adding too much value…to other people’s work and to your own. And one thing I know from all the clients I’ve worked with and the businesses I’ve worked in…

As much as you give, others will take.

So keep on giving and others will keep on taking.

And eventually, it feels like burnount.

So you might be wondering where this need comes from, to add too much value.

Well believe it or not it stems from our ego because deep down we feel we have so much expertise to offer that it wouldn’t be right for us to keep it to ourselves. If we don’t share our thoughts, opinions, expertise then the conversation/project/business will be worse off without us, in fact maybe they don’t realise what they’re missing by our lack of involvement, so we’ll have to show them how it’s done.

Know that this might be subconscious but it is a conversation that’s going on inside.

Of course like anything that is too freely available, if you over give and provide too much value, YOUR VALUE also diminishes.

But, there is a cure.

The individuals I’ve seen experience fantastic outcomes in relation to this have focussed on one thing:

1. Building their boundaries

When you have strong boundaries you get comfortable with saying no and knowing what is yours to own, and what isn’t. Yes we know you CAN do anything, whether you SHOULD or not is another thing entirely. And if you want to live a long and full life, reaching burnout isn’t the way to do it.

Over the years I have guided many of my clients in this powerful behaviour.

When you have strong boundaries, your sense of self worth grows and your ego quietens.

So take a good look in the mirror. Be honest. Right now, do you feel overwhelmed? Do you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Do you feel worn out?

If the answer is yes, it means you may be adding too much value.

Wouldn’t now be a good time to address this?