How Fine Tuning Your Strengths Can Accelerate Your Growth

Matt Abrahams, communication expert and co-host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast, found himself at a crossroads.?

As a lecturer at Stanford, he had mastery over his subject matter—he was an expert in helping others communicate spontaneously. But, despite delivering valuable information, there seemed to be an invisible barrier between him and his students.

He found that his personal style leaned heavily toward being authoritative and instructive. He realized that his directive approach was limiting his ability to engage with others.?

So, he decided to change his approach.

After observing how impactful conversations were that were more collaborative and personable, he decided to adopt a more conversational style.

Matt began to see tangible results as he embraced the power of conversation—richer connections, deeper engagement, and more rewarding interactions from the classroom to the podcast.?

Disrupting his communication style catalyzed significant personal growth.

When I interviewed Matt Abrahams on the Disrupt Yourself podcast, his story deeply resonated as it touched on a key growth concept—playing to your distinctive strengths.?

This idea, one of the Seven Accelerants of Growth, encourages individuals to align what they do well with the opportunities available, leveraging unique strengths to enhance personal growth and development.

Matt leveraged the power of conversation to amplify further his natural ability to communicate. While his journey highlights an important truth about personal disruption and growth—it doesn't always have to involve drastic changes.?

In Matt's case, the disruption came from transforming his directive approach to a more conversational one, ultimately reshaping his strong knowledge base as a communication expert into something even more powerful: spontaneous communication––and connection.

What subtle yet significant shifts in your perspective or approach could supercharge what you already do well?

How can you leverage your distinctive strengths more effectively in your personal and professional life?