How to Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths
Content
How to Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths
We all have weaknesses, and we tend to try to work on eliminating them - on
changing ourselves in order to become better. But change is difficult- very
difficult. What if instead of trying to eliminate our weaknesses, we embraced
them for what they were?
Several months ago, my friend Ben Rosner, CEO of e-home and a fellow member
of Entrepreneur's Organization, led an activity on weaknesses and strengths with
my EO Forum group, based on the excellent Freak Factor manifesto by David
Rendall. I found the activity to be so insightful and inspiring, I did the activity
with my team at Likeable Local- and then with our team at Likeable Media. I
thought I'd share it with you here as well:
Think about your biggest weaknesses at work and in life. What qualities are you
most unhappy about? Of the following list of 16 typical weaknesses, look
carefully and choose the three that resonate most with you:
1) Disorganized
2) Inflexible
3) Stubborn
4) Inconsistent
5) Obnoxious
6) Emotionless
7) Shy
8) Irresponsible
9) Boring
10) Unrealistic
11) Negative
12) Intimidating
13) Weak
14) Arrogant
15) Indecisive
16) Impatient
Got your three biggest weaknesses? Great. (Don't be too depressed, the rest of
this activity is more fun). Next, look at the below list, find the same three
weaknesses, and look at the traits to the right of each of your three biggest
weaknesses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Disorganized ---> Creative
Inflexible ---> Organized
Stubborn ---> Dedicated
Inconsistent ---> Flexible
Obnoxious ---> Enthusiastic
Emotionless ---> Calm
Shy ---> Reflective
8) Irresponsible ---> Adventurous
9) Boring ---> Responsible
10) Unrealistic ---> Positive
11) Negative ---> Realistic
12) Intimidating ---> Assertive
13) Weak ---> Humble
14) Arrogant ---> Self-Confident
15) Indecisive ---> Patient
16) Impatient ---> Passionate
The three qualities to the right of your three weaknesses are all strengths.
Hidden in your weaknesses are your strengths.
Every weakness has a corresponding strength.
The idea here is simple: Instead of trying to change your weaknesses, accept
them. Don't try to fix them - it's too difficult. Instead, be sure to leverage your
associated strengths. You can look to colleagues, direct reports, and even
supervisors to fill in the gaps where you are weakest. Don't be afraid to ask
people for help- they can add value where you are weaker. But be sure to
embrace your strengths, and build upon them. After all, your strengths (even
those disguised as weaknesses) - will get you far in your career, and in life.
----Now it's your turn. Did this activity resonate with you? Were the strengths
corresponding with your weaknesses accurate? What are your greatest
weaknesses - and strengths? What are the takeaways for you at work and in life?
Source: Linkedin (contributed by Dave Kerpen)
We all have weaknesses, and we tend to try to work on eliminating them - on
changing ourselves in order to become better. But change is difficult- very
difficult. What if instead of trying to eliminate our weaknesses, we embraced
them for what they were?
Several months ago, my friend Ben Rosner, CEO of e-home and a fellow member
of Entrepreneur's Organization, led an activity on weaknesses and strengths with
my EO Forum group, based on the excellent Freak Factor manifesto by David
Rendall. I found the activity to be so insightful and inspiring, I did the activity
with my team at Likeable Local- and then with our team at Likeable Media. I
thought I'd share it with you here as well:
Think about your biggest weaknesses at work and in life. What qualities are you
most unhappy about? Of the following list of 16 typical weaknesses, look
carefully and choose the three that resonate most with you:
1) Disorganized
2) Inflexible
3) Stubborn
4) Inconsistent
5) Obnoxious
6) Emotionless
7) Shy
8) Irresponsible
9) Boring
10) Unrealistic
11) Negative
12) Intimidating
13) Weak
14) Arrogant
15) Indecisive
16) Impatient
Got your three biggest weaknesses? Great. (Don't be too depressed, the rest of
this activity is more fun). Next, look at the below list, find the same three
weaknesses, and look at the traits to the right of each of your three biggest
weaknesses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Disorganized ---> Creative
Inflexible ---> Organized
Stubborn ---> Dedicated
Inconsistent ---> Flexible
Obnoxious ---> Enthusiastic
Emotionless ---> Calm
Shy ---> Reflective
8) Irresponsible ---> Adventurous
9) Boring ---> Responsible
10) Unrealistic ---> Positive
11) Negative ---> Realistic
12) Intimidating ---> Assertive
13) Weak ---> Humble
14) Arrogant ---> Self-Confident
15) Indecisive ---> Patient
16) Impatient ---> Passionate
The three qualities to the right of your three weaknesses are all strengths.
Hidden in your weaknesses are your strengths.
Every weakness has a corresponding strength.
The idea here is simple: Instead of trying to change your weaknesses, accept
them. Don't try to fix them - it's too difficult. Instead, be sure to leverage your
associated strengths. You can look to colleagues, direct reports, and even
supervisors to fill in the gaps where you are weakest. Don't be afraid to ask
people for help- they can add value where you are weaker. But be sure to
embrace your strengths, and build upon them. After all, your strengths (even
those disguised as weaknesses) - will get you far in your career, and in life.
----Now it's your turn. Did this activity resonate with you? Were the strengths
corresponding with your weaknesses accurate? What are your greatest
weaknesses - and strengths? What are the takeaways for you at work and in life?
Source: Linkedin (contributed by Dave Kerpen)
