Better Off Blind

Why Leading With a Measure of Blindness is Beneficial

Photo by Kirill Balobanov on Unsplash

“Sometimes I Feel Like the Blind Leading the Blind”

Would you ever confess that openly? Can you picture yourself at a staff meeting or in front of the team you lead admitting, "I'm feeling lost and unsure of where to guide you next"?

I have felt like that on many occasions over my years of ReLeading. We talked about this a little in a previous article on Imposter Syndrome.

It seems like there's an unwritten rule for leaders: “Always have all the answers.” We're often painted as the visionaries, expected to navigate without hesitation, exhibit unwavering strength, and never let the pressure show. It's as if we're supposed to stand at the helm, confidently directing the course toward a vision only we can see, even amidst the fog of uncertainty.

But what happens when the reality doesn't match the expectation? On those days when we find ourselves groping in the dark, filled with doubts and questions, how do we manage the weight of always needing to appear as if we have it all figured out, confidently steering towards the future?

Better Off Blind

I want to share a lesson with you, one that's reshaped my understanding of leadership and might just offer you some clarity and liberation in your own journey. What's this lesson? It's a bit ironic: the moments when I've been most confident in my direction are often the ones that led me the most astray. I've discovered that when I believe my vision is at its clearest, I'm usually missing the most crucial details. In those times of supposed clarity, I'm not seeing through God's eyes, nor am I noticing the perspectives of my team.

It turns out, what I focus on can sometimes blind me to what's truly important.

This realization has led me to a somewhat paradoxical conclusion: In leadership, being 'better off blind' has actually opened my eyes. It's taught me to rely less on my own sight and more on faith, on the collective vision of my team, and on the unforeseen paths God has laid out for us.

It sounds paradoxical, doesn't it, Jon? The idea that a leader might be better off 'blind' seems to fly in the face of conventional wisdom. After all, aren't leaders the ones who are supposed to have the vision, guiding those who cannot see the path as clearly?

Turning to the Bible offers a profound starting point for this discussion. It's filled with narratives of individuals who thought they had the right vision, but ended up being blind to some truth:

• Saul (before becoming Paul (Acts 9) had a zealot's clarity in persecuting followers of Jesus, yet it took a literal blinding for him to see a new path illuminated by God, transforming him into one of the most pivotal figures in Christianity.

• Peter's Vision (Acts 10) reveals a pivotal moment where God corrected Peter's narrow view, showing him that the gospel was meant for all humanity, not just the Jews. Peter had to be 'blinded' to his prejudices to see God's inclusive plan.

• The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law were so fixated on their vision of a political Messiah that they were blind to Jesus' spiritual kingship, culminating in their tragic rejection of Him.

These stories underscore a recurring theme: a clear vision, when misaligned, can lead even the most devout astray.

Conversely, the Bible celebrates those who, despite feeling blind, were led by God to accomplish great things:

• Moses felt utterly unprepared and visionless about leading the Israelites, yet in his 'blindness,' he found the guidance to liberate a nation.

• Gideon is a testament to overcoming self-doubt and perceived blindness, revealing the might of faith in revealing one's true strength.

• Abraham is perhaps the most striking example of walking by faith, not sight. He set off into the unknown, guided only by the promise of God, a journey that laid the foundations of faith for generations to come.

The biblical narrative is rich with examples of those who, in their moments of 'blindness,' found their most profound strength and guidance in faith, not sight. It suggests that true vision in leadership is not about seeing the path clearly but trusting in God to lead the way.

Let’s not forget passages like:

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) - For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Isaiah 42:16 (AMP) - I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandoned or undone.”

I find profound inspiration in the Lord's declaration to 'lead the blind.' If God chooses to guide the blind, then embracing our blindness might just be the path to true leadership.

I hope you're beginning to see (yes, pun slightly intended) the essence of my message.

As we move towards a conclusion, let me highlight 3 key advantages of leading from a place of blindness, allowing faith and God's light to illuminate your path."

Your Pace Will Slow

Navigating through darkness requires a deliberate shift in pace; it's not about rushing forward but moving cautiously to avoid harm to yourself or the things around you. By tempering our speed, we open ourselves up to making decisions that are not hastily drawn from our assumptions or gut reactions but are instead informed by the steady hand of the Lord's leading. It's a reminder that in the realm of leadership, patience is not just a virtue but a necessity. Rushing can lead to reckless decisions, whereas a measured approach allows for wisdom and clarity to emerge. In essence, when we accept our need for guidance in our moments of blindness, we're more likely to make choices that reflect not only our best intentions but also the best outcomes for those we lead. Trust me, you’re better off blind.

Your Hand Will Reach

Imagine it's the middle of the night, and you find yourself in the unfamiliar darkness of a hotel room, trying to navigate your way to the bathroom. Your steps become cautious, your pace slows, and instinctively, your hands stretch out in search of something solid to hold onto. This search isn't just about physical balance; it's a quest for clarity and a deeper understanding of your environment. This very instinct—to reach out, to seek guidance—mirrors how we, as leaders, navigate periods of uncertainty or "blindness."

In these moments, our leadership journey requires us to extend our hands, metaphorically speaking, to grasp the support and insight that can only come from beyond ourselves. It compels us to lean on a power greater than our own. As leaders, admitting we don't have all the answers allows us to seek and find stability, clarity, and understanding through divine guidance.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) encapsulates this beautifully: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This wisdom isn't just about spiritual faith; it's a practical strategy for leading effectively through uncertainty. By trusting in something greater than ourselves, we find the guidance necessary to navigate with confidence, ensuring our decisions and directions are aligned with a vision that transcends our immediate perception. Trust me, you’re better off blind.

Your Ear Will Listen

In a world where one may not rely on sight, their other senses are heightened to compensate. A person who is blind might not see someone approaching, but they possess the acute ability to hear even the softest footsteps, like that of a mouse scurrying across the floor. This sensory shift reminds us of Jesus' words, "My sheep hear my voice." Interestingly, while sheep have a wide field of vision, allowing them to see almost completely around themselves, their forward vision is notably weak. They might miss what's directly ahead, yet their hearing is exceptionally sharp.

This analogy speaks volumes about leadership. In times when the path ahead for your organization seems unclear when you feel 'blind' to the future, it's your ability to listen that becomes invaluable. Your attunement to hearing what the Lord might be whispering about your next steps is crucial. Psalm 119:105 reinforces this idea stating, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Notice how it emphasizes guidance through words, not sight. This verse suggests that in moments of uncertainty, it is not our visual acuity but our capacity to listen and follow divine direction that illuminates our way forward. Trust me, you’re better off blind.

Final thought

Instead of chastising yourself for the areas where you feel blind, start embracing gratitude towards God for these moments of uncertainty. It's precisely in your blindness to what lies ahead that you find the opportunity for the finest guidance to lead you forward.

As a last note, reread this passage and digest each thing it says the Lord will do for those who come to him blind.

Isaiah 42:16 (AMP) - I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandoned or undone.”

So with your pace slowed, your arms reaching out, and your ears in tune, go fix broke stuff.