Maximizing strengths enhances performance and elevates fulfillment.
“A man should never be appointed to a managerial position if his vision focuses on people’s weaknesses rather than on their strengths. The man who always knows what people cannot do, but never sees what they can do, will undermine the spirit of the organization,” Peter Drucker.
There is a difference between ‘focusing on’ weaknesses and ‘dealing with’ fatal flaws.
10 weaknesses that derail leaders:
Drucker says focusing on weaknesses disqualifies you from management. However, you never thrive when you ignore self-destructive weaknesses.
Not all flaws are equal.
Some flaws are low-impact inconveniences. Other weaknesses are fatal flaws that hold you back.
10 weaknesses:
- Low energy and enthusiasm.
- Accepting mediocrity.
- Lack of vision and direction.
- Poor judgement.
- Resistance to collaboration.
- Not walking the talk. Inconsistency.
- Resisting new ideas.
- Not learning from mistakes.
- Lacking personal skills. (Low EQ)
- Failing to develop people.
The above list is adapted from the research of Zinger and Folkman.
4 ways to face weaknesses like a leader:
#1. Constantly focus on growth and development.
Always think about moving the ball down the field. How might you grow in ways that limit the impact of weaknesses?
#2. Persistently reflect on potential.
#3. Don’t use weaknesses as excuses.
Weaknesses are growth opportunities, not time for a pity party.
#4. Choose incremental improvement over unrealistic expectations.
Strengthen strengths AND mitigate the negative impact of weaknesses.
What is a leaderly way to face weaknesses?
—
This post was previously published on Leadershipfreak.blog and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
***
You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project
 |
 |
 |
 |
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.
Register New Account
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
—
Photo credit: iStock
