Automobile manufacturers began implementing sideview or “wing” mirrors on all vehicles in the 1960s. They began as features of luxury vehicles, but as roads and highways became multi-lane, it became clear that they were a necessary aspect of safety.
I’m sure you’re familiar with these mirrors – they allow you to see the areas to the side of your car that your peripheral vision would otherwise miss.
Blind spots are dangerous; I’ve got a couple gnarly ones myself due to my car’s design. Without my sideview mirrors, I’d almost certainly get into pretty frequent accidents.
But they’re only useful if I pay attention to them.
We all have our own blind spots. We aren’t immediately aware of what they are because, well, we can’t be. Maybe it’s the way you handle conflict, a mannerism in how you approach publicly speak, or the way you’re thinking about a project.
The good news is, you can create your own “sideview mirrors” by surrounding yourself with people who care and can help you identify your blind spots.
But they’re only useful if you pay attention to them.