作者Dave Kerpen：CEO, Likeable Local, NY Times Best-Selling Author & Keynote Speaker
We all have weaknesses, and we tend to tryto work on eliminating them - on changing ourselves in order to become better.But change is difficult- very difficult. What if instead of trying to eliminateour weaknesses, we embraced them for what they were?
Several months ago, my friend Ben Rosner, CEO of e-home and a fellow member ofEntrepreneur's Organization,led an activity on weaknesses and strengths with my EO Forum group, based onthe excellent Freak Factor manifesto by David Rendall. I found theactivity to be so insightful and inspiring, I did the activity with my team at Likeable Local- and thenwith our team at Likeable Media.I thought I'd share it with you here as well:
Think about your biggest weaknesses at workand in life. What qualities are you most unhappy about? Of the following listof 16 typical weaknesses, look carefully and choose the three that resonatemost 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 atthe below list, find the same three weaknesses, and look at the traits to theright of each of your three biggest weaknesses:
1) Disorganized --->Creative
2) Inflexible --->Organized
3) Stubborn --->Dedicated
4) Inconsistent --->Flexible
5) Obnoxious --->Enthusiastic
6) Emotionless --->Calm
7) 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 yourthree weaknesses are all strengths.
Hidden in your weaknesses are yourstrengths.
Every weakness has a correspondingstrength.
The idea here is simple: Instead of tryingto change your weaknesses, accept them. Don't try to fix them - it's toodifficult. Instead, be sure to leverage your associated strengths. You can lookto colleagues, direct reports, and even supervisors to fill in the gaps whereyou are weakest. Don't be afraid to ask people for help- they can add valuewhere you are weaker. Butbe sure to embrace your strengths, and buildupon them. After all, your strengths (even those disguised as weaknesses) -will get you far in your career, and in life.
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Now it'syourturn. Did thisactivity resonate withyouWere the strengths corresponding withyourweaknesses accurate? What areyourgreatest weaknesses - and strengths?What are the takeaways foryouat work and in life? Let me know yourthoughts in the Comments section below!And here's to your secret strengths!
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Dave Kerpen is disorganized,unrealistic and impatient - which means he's creative, positive and passionate!For more information about this activity, be sure to check out the excellentbook Freak Factor by David Rendall. For more on Dave Kerpen,check out the New York Times best seller Likeable Social Media and the Amazon #1 best seller Likeable Business. Or click the follow button below for moreof Dave's posts on LinkedIn.