Law 17: Make the Invisible Visible

Great coaches reveal blind spots. Illuminate what’s holding your client back so they can address it.

“You cannot change what you cannot see.”

The Law Expanded

Every individual has blind spots—those hidden habits, fears, or thought patterns that silently sabotage progress. A coach’s role is to shine a light on these invisible barriers, bringing them into awareness so they can be addressed. Often, what holds clients back is not external but internal: unnoticed biases, limiting beliefs, or unexamined assumptions.

When blind spots are revealed, they lose their power. Clients gain the clarity to take corrective action, overcome obstacles, and unlock their full potential. This law emphasizes the importance of curiosity, observation, and candid communication in uncovering what’s hidden beneath the surface.

Historical Example

The Oracle of Delphi and Self-Awareness

In ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi was considered the ultimate source of wisdom. Inscribed at the entrance of the temple were the words, “Know thyself.” This simple yet profound advice highlights the critical importance of self-awareness. Socrates, one of the greatest philosophers of antiquity, took this message to heart, often stating that the unexamined life is not worth living.

Socrates used his method of questioning to help individuals see their own blind spots—beliefs they held without evidence, contradictions in their thinking, or weaknesses they avoided confronting. His ability to make the invisible visible allowed his students to gain deeper self-awareness, paving the way for personal growth and philosophical insight. Socrates’ approach serves as a timeless reminder that awareness is the first step toward change.

The Strategy

To help clients uncover their blind spots:

1. Observe Patterns: Pay close attention to recurring behaviors, language, and attitudes. What do clients consistently avoid or struggle with?
2. Ask Probing Questions: Use open-ended questions to encourage self-reflection, such as, “What might you be overlooking here?” or “How do you think this belief is serving you?”
3. Provide Gentle Feedback: Share your observations without judgment. Frame your insights as opportunities for growth rather than criticisms.
4. Encourage Reflection: Use exercises like journaling, meditation, or self-assessments to help clients explore their inner world.
5. Focus on Solutions: Once a blind spot is revealed, guide clients toward actionable steps to address it. Shift the focus from problem identification to problem-solving.

Insight

Blind spots are not weaknesses—they are opportunities for growth. When clients become aware of what’s holding them back, they gain the power to overcome it.

A Warning

Revealing blind spots too harshly or without context can lead to defensiveness or resistance. Approach this process with care and empathy to ensure clients feel supported, not judged.

Reversal

While uncovering blind spots is essential, focusing too much on weaknesses can overshadow strengths. Balance your coaching by highlighting what clients are doing well and how their strengths can be leveraged to address their challenges. Consider Aristotle’s approach: he emphasized the cultivation of virtues—positive traits that, when nurtured, naturally counteract vices or weaknesses. Similarly, focus on building strengths alongside addressing blind spots.

“The greatest breakthroughs come from what we finally see clearly.”

Blind spots limit potential, but they lose their power once revealed. By making the invisible visible, you empower clients to address their hidden barriers and unlock their true capabilities. Awareness is the foundation of transformation.

Taken from my forthcoming book ‘The 365 Laws of Performance Coaching.’

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© Ben Benson