The Three Blind Spots Every New Manager Faces

When you step into management for the first time, you bring energy, commitment, and a desire to do well.

You also bring blind spots. 

Not because you lack ability. Because you are human. And because no one sees themselves clearly under pressure.

Here are three blind spots we see again and again in first-time managers.

1.     Needing to be liked

You want a good atmosphere. You want people to feel positive about you.

So you soften feedback. You avoid tension. You pick up extra work rather than disappoint someone.

In the short term, this feels generous. In the long term, it erodes clarity and respect.

Awareness begins when you notice the moment you trade honesty for approval.

2.     Avoiding difficult conversations

You tell yourself it will settle. You wait for a better time. You gather more evidence.

Meanwhile, frustration builds. Standards slip. Others notice.

Most difficult conversations are delayed because of anxiety, not because of skill gaps.

When you become aware of what you fear in the conversation, you regain choice.

3.     Confusing activity with impact

You respond to emails fast. You join every meeting. You solve problems quickly.

It feels productive.

But management is not about being busy. It’s about shaping direction, expectations, and accountability.

Awareness helps you ask a different question. What difference did my actions make?

Blind spots are not flaws. They are patterns you have not yet seen.

You cannot change what you do not see.

If you are a first-time manager, the work is not to try harder. It is to notice more. When you see the pattern, you create space for insight - and in that insight, different choices become possible.

If this resonates, we invite you to read our earlier blog on why awareness matters more than effort. And if you want space to build that awareness with others in similar roles, join us at Kinharvie for an Insight Circle here.