Strengths and . . .

Copyright © 2004 by Don Blohowiak
Don@LeadWell.com    www.LeadWell.com

It's so automatic. When describing our capabilities, we almost always follow "strengths" with "weaknesses."

But those descriptors don't have to track that way. And shouldn't.

The more that scientists learn about genes and individual brain structure, the more we know that personal aptitude and talents -- strengths when developed -- are greatly innate.

And weaknesses? Try substituting two other, more descriptive and accurate concepts: Limitations and absences.

Example: I'm a darned good Chef du Barbecue. I grill and smoke food at a bragging-rights level. A strength.

In playing the congas (which I really enjoy), my skills are more limited. I'm passably competent but far from a star.

Lower in capacity -- at the zero-level really, my handyman skills. I simply can't build a shelf or hang a screen door (as my wife, and friends & rescuers Bob and Doug, could attest).

Such incapacity -- truly an absence -- isn't a weakness unless I pretend I can do things I can't. (Really, who would I fool?)

ACTION to Take

• List your strengths, your gifts. Celebrate them. Commit to leveraging them. (For a resource that can help you to discover your innate talents and strengths, consider purchasing the book Now, Discover Your Strengths. In addition to explaining the importance of understanding your innate talents, it includes an on-line assessment that will identify your top five native talents. You can purchase the book here.)
  
  
• Assess your limitations. Determine how you will develop your skills to the extent you can.
  
  
• Admit your absences. Make a plan to compensate for them. Get help from others; delegate; outsource. (Play to others' sympathies!) But don't pretend.

The more you understand who you are and what you're good at, the easier it will be to maximize your strengths. And move past your limitations and absences to avoid having any weaknesses.

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Don Blohowiak, a management consultant and popular conference speaker, is the author of several business books. The executive director of the Lead Well® Institute in Princeton, NJ, he may be reached at http://www.LeadWell.com/.

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Copyright © 2005, Don Blohowiak, Lead Well Institute

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