Ep 39: Martin Dubin – Seeing what you don’t see

In the high-stakes world of executive decision-making, what we don’t see often matters more than what we do. Clinical psychologist turned executive coach Dr. Martin Dubin, author of Blindspotting, believes that leadership blind spots aren’t occasional oversights—they’re recurring patterns rooted in identity, emotion, and motive. Drawing on decades of experience advising CEOs and senior leaders, Dubin reveals how even the most capable professionals can be undermined by the very traits that fuel their success.In this thought-provoking conversation, Dubin maps the six concentric zones of blind spots—from observable behaviors to hidden motives—and shows how small, intentional adjustments can yield transformative results. With clinical precision and pragmatic candor, he explains why strengths so often become liabilities, how leaders can truly hear feedback, and why vulnerability at the top can create cultures of trust, learning, and authentic performance.* Blind Spots Are Patterned, Not Accidental. Blind spots aren’t random mistakes—they’re ingrained behavioral and emotional patterns that feel natural to the leader but have unintended consequences for others.* Feedback Reveals the Gap Between Intention and Impact. Leaders often defend their intent, but what matters most is how their behavior lands. Owning that gap is the gateway to genuine growth and trust.* Self-Awareness Fuels Team Awareness. When leaders model curiosity and vulnerability, teams follow suit. “Disclosure breeds disclosure,” Dubin notes, creating a culture that replaces groupthink with collective insight.* Spot Your “Too”. Identify one personal strength you might be overusing. Ask trusted colleagues how it shows up under pressure—and what “too much” of it looks like.* Seek Feedback for Impact, Not Validation. The next time you receive feedback, resist the urge to explain your intent. Instead, ask: What did my behavior communicate to you?* Make One Micro-Adjustment. Choose a small, precise behavior to shift this week—a tone, a timing, or a tendency. Notice how the change affects your interactions and outcomes. Get full access to LeaderSHOP at podcast.leadershop.net/subscribe