Finding Your Strengths

As a student both in high school and university, I was told numerous times to “develop your strengths, and mitigate your weaknesses.” I thought this was absolutely ridiculous. The idea that I would not have the time or ability to make myself proficient in nearly every area of work seemed more ludicrous to me than being especially talented in a specific skill set. Now I know better.

In a given day/month/year/lifetime, there simply is not enough time to be good at everything that the heart desires. On top of that, for myself, I know that there are areas where I am not as talented as the next. Things such as empathy and administration are not top of the list in my genetic toolbox. I have stronger traits in analysis, decisiveness, and creativeness. Me spending hours and hours working to make myself a more capable administrator, will yield unimpressive results.

Rather, I should focus on creating myself as an analytic worker. One that can lead through capable and decisive actions. Or as one that generates new ideas. By cultivating these, I can make myself more valuable both in my career, as well as in my personal life. A key aspect of your weaknesses, however, is ensuring that they do not hinder your strengths. If there is a workaround available, great. If not, make yourself proficient enough so that it stops hindering your end value.

Working with others, especially in the workplace, is extraordinarily important for getting the most out of yourself. Through support of peers and superiors I continue to identify where my strengths are. Leadership should always be “scouting” employees to determine where they fit the best within the organization. Especially after hire.

But it is my job to take these strengths, and develop them to their fullest potential. I should focus on putting myself in positions that will nurture these skills and grow my value.

How are you developing your strengths and mitigating your weaknesses?