We all have blind spots—things we just don’t see. Sometimes we discover a blind spot when we learn a new theory or idea. Sometimes we literally must run into someone or something to discover a blind spot and sometimes, we need someone to call it out for us.

Several years ago, I transitioned from a corporate finance career to serve as nonprofit executive director. I had a lot of experience as a nonprofit volunteer and board member. In fact, my family always encouraged me to give back. You could say that community service was in my DNA, but this was my first experience as a nonprofit staff member. I was thrilled to combine my passion for the mission with my for-profit experiences, so that I could “make a difference.”

I jumped in with both feet... serving meals to our clients, administering drug tests, raising money, teaching classes, partnering with other organizations. I was fully committed to "making a difference,” but I also knew I had a lot to learn.

So, you can imagine how excited I was when I had the privilege of spending a few days in Atlanta with the CEO and staff of one of the largest nonprofits dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness in the Southeast. I was eager to learn everything I could about serving as an executive director—here was my chance!

My two days were packed with meetings, site visits and lots of Q&A with the CEO. After an educational and exciting day of meetings and learning about ways to help those experiencing homelessness, my wife, who was traveling with me, and I went out to dinner. I could not wait to share with her ALL I had learned.

As we were walking to the restaurant, we passed a man who was digging in the garbage for food. He had torn clothes, a strong smell of urine, and exhibited the traditional signs that indicated that he was experiencing homelessness.

As we passed by him, I turned to my wife and whispered, "That guy doesn't have any gloves on." She looked at me with a slightly puzzled face and said, "What?” I whispered and repeated what I had just stated to her, while subtly motioning back towards him, "That guy doesn't have any gloves on." She paused, looked at me with a concerned eye and asked, "Is that what you see???”

I had spent an entire day in meetings discussing strategies about helping those experiencing homelessness, had worked faithfully with those experiencing homelessness, considered myself all in on the mission of combating homelessness, but when it was right in front of me, I could only see through the lens of my germ obsession—how gross was it that the guy was digging through garbage without gloves on. The thought that he was hungry and maybe homeless NEVER CROSSED MY MIND! Ugh! I am embarrassed to even share the story, but it is 100% true.

We all have blind spots, personally and professionally. I needed my wife to point out mine. Who can point out your blind spots? I encourage you to take a risk this week and find a trusted advisor who asks you what you see... it just might open your eyes… like it opened mine.

From recruiting talented leaders and delivering outstanding board training, to developing winning strategic plans, and creating an unstoppable fundraising campaign—Armstrong McGuire advisors will walk beside you to ask probing questions that can help you unlock the potential of your organization by revealing those blind spots your organization may not even realize exists.

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Stephen Smith is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in interim management, executive leadership, board management, strategic planning, fundraising, and coaching. Learn more about Stephen in his bio.