How Being Legally Blind Taught Me to See What Most Leaders Miss

People often ask me what it's like navigating the world without full sight.

What they don’t realize is that over time, I’ve developed a different way of seeing, one that’s helped me as much in leadership as it has in life.

When you can’t rely on visual cues, you learn to pay attention to everything else.

Tone. Body language. Energy.

You listen differently. You notice the things people don’t say. You catch moments most people overlook.

That kind of awareness is powerful. Especially in leadership.

Too many leaders focus on what’s loud.

The extrovert in the meeting.

The client who emails the most.

The employee who talks a big game.

But what about the quiet top performer?

What about the person who never complains but carries the team?

Real leadership isn’t just about driving performance.

It’s about seeing people clearly.

Understanding what motivates them, what they’re struggling with, where they need support—even when they don’t spell it out.

Being legally blind forced me to sharpen those skills.

I couldn’t make assumptions based on appearances. I had to ask better questions. I had to listen harder. I had to care more.

And that’s the lesson.

It’s about choosing to notice, choosing to care, and choosing to lead with intention rather than just instinct.

You don’t need to lose your sight to start seeing things differently.

You just have to be willing to look closer.

Aaron