Turn Your Weakness Into Your Strength

In America, the 2015 Super Bowl will soon be played. In this championship game you are unlikely to see athletes showing weakness. If the athletes become hurt in this game, they will hide their injuries – they don’t want their competitors to know their weak spots.

But there is absolutely no need to act like this in business.

In business, you can have deficiencies because these can be overcome and turned into strengths. The only truly fatal thing is to not realize that all weaknesses can be made strong.

Everyone has weak points. Everyone has flaws. If you can make up for your flaws, you improve your performance. This is why it is so important that you understand accurately what you lack. You must not be proud, but be humble. Think about what you are missing. Then:

• Study what you don't know. Carve out time for study. Even if you do not take formal classes, get the books you need and make time every day for study. Learn a new language or a new technology skill.
• Practice what you are weak in. At Rakuten, we have made becoming proficient in English a priority. Often, employees will gather in small groups in the morning, before the work day begins, to practice conversation. This is not work related conversation – they may discuss restaurants they like or a sports team they follow. The purpose is simply to practice. Of course, as they practice, their skills will improve.

Don't cover your weaknesses; turn them into your strengths.