Weaknesses are the beat of a drum that everyone notices. They stand out like a bad note in an otherwise beautiful melody.
By definition, weaknesses get in the way of effectiveness and dilute the best qualities people display. So, people naturally take aim to fix them.
But weaknesses are highly resistant to change.
They don’t pop up overnight. Instead, they follow people throughout their careers, raising their ugly heads at the worst moments.
Sometimes steeped in personality traits and other times created by a pattern of behavior reflecting low self-awareness, weaknesses stand strong in the face of intervention.
Addressing them is hard work and not much fun. Far too often, people give up or give in before pulling them out by the root.
This doesn’t mean good leaders should avoid addressing their weaknesses. However, research has consistently shown that focusing on one’s strengths, rather than attempting to improve weaknesses, leads to greater effectiveness and satisfaction.
And it’s much easier to do.
Ironically, magnifying the “right” strength starts with knowing your weaknesses. After identifying the weaknesses that undermine performance, the key is to find a skill, talent, or asset that, if amplified, would mute the flaws.
For instance, a speaker who is plagued by stammers, repetitive non-words, and hesitations could attempt to eliminate them, or they could become so good at projecting confidence through powerful stories, examples, and metaphors that those listening don’t notice them.
Making more of an existing skill or talent often drowns out or overwhelms an existing weakness, making it seem less significant.
For every weakness, there is a strength that, if boosted, would silence or quiet the attention others pay to it. By taking this strength from good to great, weaknesses become less important or intrusive.
Better yet, working on a strength is much more enjoyable and leads to several favorable outcomes.
People tend to perform better and feel more engaged when they work within their areas of strength.
Capitalizing on what one does well commonly leads to higher productivity. People also feel more fulfilled when they use their natural talents to their advantage. And relying on strengths can enhance resilience during challenges, allowing people to maintain confidence in the face of adversity.
So, the next time you are directed to work on a weakness, consider focusing on a strength instead. Success is more likely when we are developing our strengths rather than eliminating our weaknesses.
What is good that you can take to great?
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
