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If you are familiar with the concept of focusing on your strengths, then perhaps you know why sometimes People, Teams or even Organizations fail.<\/p>\n
Have learned through StrengthsFinders<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0(not an endorsement -\u00c2\u00a0😊)\u00c2\u00a0training and during multiple conversations with mentors, that\u00c2\u00a0it is best to focus on building up your strengths rather than focusing on improving upon your weaknesses. Many\u00c2\u00a0studies<\/a> have demonstrated that trying to improve a weakness is far less constructive\u00c2\u00a0than spending time building up your strengths. Especially (imo) once you are over 25 and have a more solid assessment of your skills and abilities. And while there is great merit in emphasizing strength building activities you should still be cautious\u00c2\u00a0of using tools like Strengths-Finder, as it could result in a skewed view. A possible more\u00c2\u00a0accurate and objective assessment<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0is by asking others, who know you very well, to fill out the questionnaire.<\/p>\n What many neglect to do in light of their deficient abilities in certain areas is to partner up with others whose strengths may complement their own. A colleague with a different skill set might be able to offer constructive advice or even assist to ensure you and others become more effective, collectively and independently. It is precisely this kind of situation that illustrates how important it is for leaders to diversify the skillsets on their Teams. Another issue is that wasting resources developing a skill beyond what is necessary when it isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t something one is both good or passionate about is generally an unproductive use of our top commodity, Time! Individuals need to assess whether the time they invest to develop any skill is necessary and\/or beneficial based on their top strengths and passion.<\/p>\n The strategy many well intentioned people employ is to get better at a lot of things at once — spreading the improvement in their abilities like one might spread peanut butter on toasted bread. And while this approach does help you improve, it can be because you are often concentrated on things you aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t as efficient at where just a little effort goes a long way. This feedback loop of seeing progress is addicting (especially to dedicated people) so they spread themselves even thinner to get stronger in even more diverse areas. And while I admit this growth can be\u00c2\u00a0positive, I have seen it\u00c2\u00a0lead to stress and fatigue, having fallen\u00c2\u00a0victim to\u00c2\u00a0this strategy\u00c2\u00a0myself.<\/p>\n What if you instead could improve more swiftly and with expert resolve by focusing on just 1-3\u00c2\u00a0strengths, mastering these abilities to become even stronger in those areas.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, what some of us often do is perform a root-cause analysis on their weaknesses, spending an inordinate amount of time self-reflecting. Thus descending into an introspective trap until finally discovering a valid excuse under which one can hide unnecessary guilt. The result usually is a waste of too much quality time, energy, and disappointing relationships at work and at home.<\/p>\n Now, turn that thinking around. None of us can deny that we have tasted success, more-or-less within our lifetimes. We have also witnessed its glory many times over from afar. So what if we instead spent time performing a root-cause analysis of what led to that success, others we admire and our own? This shift in focus, from weaknesses to strengths, has the capability of instilling confidence, inspiration and positivity into your well-being and those around you. Further, the most effective people perform an analysis after each successful venture, assuring they stay consistent and achieve their dreams.<\/p>\n So how can we do this? First, starting with common sense is often a good guide. Aim to make the most of your natural and\/or developed talents, adding relevant skills to further these as necessary. Simultaneously, seek knowledge that will allow you to expand the\u00c2\u00a0boundaries of your current strengths. Doing this will not only help you to build up expertise but will also allow you to concentrate on matters that bring you joy.<\/p>\n