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How to Overcome Blind Spots in Decision-Making (Lessons from Kirstin Ferguson’s Blindspotting)

  • paulhague
  • Jul 15
  • 2 min read

Every leader makes decisions—usually after gathering data, analysing the issue, and diagnosing the problem. But here’s the catch: we’re all influenced by unconscious biases that create blind spots, leading to misjudgements and missed opportunities—often without us realizing it.

Kirstin Ferguson is an Australian author, leadership expert, and ranked among the Thinkers50 top management minds globally, Ferguson’s work tackles these hidden pitfalls head-on. Her 2025 book, Blindspottingt: How to See What Others Miss, is a masterclass in recognizing the biases that shape our perceptions and decisions.


In a recent World’s Greatest Business Thinkers podcast with Nick Hague, Kirstin Ferguson combined psychology, neuroscience, and real-world examples to show how blind spots damage relationships, stifle growth, and skew leadership. Her insights are especially critical today, where snap judgments and polarisation fuel conflict.

 

Key Themes from Blindspotting: Understanding Blind Spots


We all use mental shortcuts—but they distort reality. Awareness is the first step to counteracting them. If we have a recognition that there will be blind spots we can do something about it. Kirstin outlined four important themes we need to be aware of:


  1. Leadership & Decision-Making

    Biases lead to poor choices, homogeneity, and inefficiencies. (Ever hired someone just because they "fit the culture"?)

  2. The Power of Self-Awareness

    Reflection, feedback, and curiosity uncover hidden assumptions.

  3. Practical Tools

    Ferguson provides strategies to sharpen judgment and see situations clearly.

  4. Stronger Relationships

    Addressing blind spots fosters inclusion and trust.


How to Overcome Blind Spots: 7 Practical Strategies


  1. Pause and Reflect

    Before deciding, ask: What assumptions am I making? What am I ignoring?

  2. Seek Contradictory Evidence

    Actively challenge your beliefs. (Example: If you think a colleague is "difficult," recall times they collaborated well.)

  3. Ask "Why?" Repeatedly

    Dig into root causes:

    • Why did I dislike that presentation? → "It felt unstructured."

    • Why does that bother me? → "I prefer data-driven approaches."

    • Is that fair, or just my preference?

  4. Diversify Your Circle

    Surround yourself with people who think differently to avoid echo chambers.

  5. Run a "Pre-Mortem"

    Imagine your decision failed: What went wrong? Did we ignore warning signs? (Amazon uses this for product launches.)

  6. Create Feedback Loops

    Regularly ask trusted peers: Where might I have blind spots?

  7. Use Checklists

    Simple prompts like, "Have I considered three alternatives?" reduce oversight.


The Bottom Line


As Kirstin Ferguson puts it: “The goal isn’t to eliminate blind spots—it’s to shine a light on them so they don’t steer you off course.”


 
 
 

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