The Dark Side of Focus:
Blind spots, balance, and breakthroughs
The Focus theme is a powerhouse of clarity and determination. People with Focus know where they’re going. They set a direction, follow through, and make the necessary adjustments to stay on track. They prioritize, then act. It’s this ability to cut through the noise that makes Focus so valuable in achieving results.
But, like every strength, Focus has a darker side. What fuels progress in one moment can narrow perspective in the next. Left unchecked, Focus can slip into tunnel vision, impatience, or even rigidity.
In this post, we’ll explore the most common blind spots of the Focus theme, strategies for managing them, and how to pair Focus with other strengths to create balance and impact. read the Katalytik Whitepaper on Conflict and Communication and access our insights to how you can interact more effectively with some CliftonStrengths when you understand their drivers and style. A useful reference on blindspots can be found here
Blind spots of the Focus theme
1. Tunnel Vision
Blind Spot: Focus can become so intense that it excludes other perspectives, ideas, or opportunities.
Example: A team member suggests a new approach, but the person with Focus dismisses it because it doesn’t align with their current goal.
Impact: Limits innovation and risks alienating collaborators.
2. Impatience with Distractions
Blind Spot: People with Focus may grow frustrated with interruptions, side conversations, or brainstorming sessions that feel off-topic.
Example: During a meeting, they tune out as soon as discussion veers from the agenda.
Impact: Reduces team cohesion and can overlook valuable insights.
3. Neglecting Relationships
Blind Spot: The drive to achieve can overshadow empathy or relational awareness.
Example: A colleague is struggling personally, but the person with Focus doesn’t notice because they’re locked into their task list.
Impact: Missed opportunities for connection and support.
4. Overcommitment to a Single Goal
Blind Spot: Focus may cause someone to persist with a goal long after it’s lost relevance.
Example: A project is failing, but they push forward because it was the original objective.
Impact: Wasted time, resources, and energy.
Strategies to manage Focus’s blind spots
To help Focus serve rather than limit, here are some practical coaching strategies:
Schedule Time for Reflection
Build in regular check-ins to evaluate whether your goals are still aligned with bigger priorities.
Coaching Tip: Ask, “Is this still the most important thing to focus on right now?”Practice Active Listening
Stay open to others’ ideas—even when they don’t fit the current agenda.
Coaching Tip: Ask, “What might I learn if I listen a little longer?”Balance Task with Relationship
Intentionally invest in team dynamics and relational awareness.
Coaching Tip: Ask, “Who needs my attention today beyond the task list?”Use Focus as a Filter, Not a Wall
Prioritize without blocking out new information.
Coaching Tip: Ask, “What’s one new idea I can explore without losing momentum?”Create a ‘Pause and Pivot’ Protocol
Establish a system for recognizing when goals need adjusting or abandoning.
Coaching Tip: Ask, “What signs tell me it’s time to pivot?”
Strengths that complement Focus
Pairing Focus with other themes brings breadth and balance:
Connectedness: Adds perspective and purpose.
Empathy: Keeps people, not just tasks, in view.
Ideation: Introduces creativity and fresh thinking.
Adaptability: Brings flexibility when priorities shift.
Strategic: Provides agility to consider multiple paths.
Spotlight: Focus + Connectedness
Together, Focus and Connectedness create purposeful momentum—driving forward with both precision and meaning.
Why not craft your own table like the one below for Connectedness for other themes?
Focus Challenge | How Connectedness Helps | Coaching Insight |
Tunnel vision on a single goal | Connectedness reminds Focus of the broader mission and long-term impact | “How does this goal serve the greater good or team vision?” |
Impatience with distractions | Connectedness reframes interruptions as opportunities for connection or insight | “What might this moment be trying to teach me?” |
Neglecting relationships | Connectedness emphasizes the importance of people and shared purpose | “Who is affected by this goal, and how can I support them?” |
Overcommitment to a failing goal | Connectedness helps Focus see when a goal no longer serves the whole | “Is this still aligned with our shared values and outcomes?” |
Why this partnership works:
Focus brings drive and clarity. Connectedness brings meaning and perspective. Together, they create purposeful momentum—moving forward with intention, awareness, and impact.
Final Thoughts: Focus as a force for good
Focus is a strength that drives results. It brings clarity, discipline, and execution. But when left unchecked, it can become isolating, rigid, or short-sighted. The key is to manage Focus with emotional intelligence, strategic awareness, and relational depth.
As a coach, your role is to help clients:
- Embrace the power of their Focus
- Recognize when it’s overused or misaligned
- Build partnerships that expand their perspective and effectiveness
By pairing Focus with strengths like Connectedness, Empathy, or Strategic, your clients can lead with both precision and purpose—creating outcomes that are not only successful, but meaningful.
FInd out more about how Focus can be a powerful leadership attribute.
