This lesson will reveal why your strengths and weaknesses are an important part of self-awareness. Once you know these, you can create a strategy to develop yourself to be the best leader.
Strengths
Your strengths are what you are naturally good at, the qualities you didn’t have to learn. When you know your strengths, you can take part in projects that will make you stand out from the rest. Your strengths have been honed and developed since birth and you have become so skilled in these areas that you don’t even realise how effective you are. Embrace your strengths as these are the value you bring in your team and your business. And remember to use your strengths when you are leading. It's what defines you.
Weaknesses
As you discover your strengths, it is equally important to acknowledge your weaknesses or limitations. Accepting what you can, and can’t do well, allows you to lead with humility, honesty and to let go of your ego. This means you can build powerful teams around you, inviting those people who compliment you and whose strengths compensate for your weaknesses. It gives others the opportunity to do the same. Time and energy are saved as there is no need to make assumptions, judge or cover up your vulnerabilities.
First, let's FIND YOUR STRENGTHS. Dig out that journal and take a moment to list all of your strengths. Here are a few questions to prompt your thinking.
Now, think about your WEAKNESSES or LIMITATIONS. Though not always the case, what is the opposite of your strength? Is that a weakness? For example, if you are a brilliant communicator, perhaps listening or being silent is difficult for you. If you are methodical and structured, being spontaneous and flexible might be a challenge. You get the idea. The other aspect to be mindful of is how an overplayed strength can become a weakness. If you are always too dominant, you may not empower others. If you are always supporting others, you might find it difficult to ask for support yourself.
Top tip
LeaderX totally owns their strengths and weaknesses and loves to pay it forward. If you see a strength or skill in others – tell them. You might just help someone grow in confidence and develop.
"LEADERX HAVE THE COURAGE TO SHARE THEIR WEAKNESSES AND EMBRACE THAT THEY ARE PRACTICALLY IMPERFECT IN EVERY WAY."
Lucy Barkas
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