…They say, “Minimize your weaknesses…” I say, “Wrong! Maximize your strengths!” We all have weaknesses and strengths. Some of us are great communicators with a high degree of energy but possess a low tolerance for inefficiencies. Others are excellent in the art of managing people but are too rigid when treating others. A few are geniuses in the science of making money but sometimes can be heartless. Your goal is to get better at what you do best, not to bring your weaknesses from a D to a C grade. You won’t be a perfect employee because perfection is only achieved by God. Since you (and I) aren’t God, we can’t be perfect. You might as well be known for what you do best. Makes sense?
By the way, you can be outstanding in what you do, have weaknesses, and still have a successful career in 2017 — Celebrate! As long as you focus on your strengths not your weaknesses. Let me make something very clear for you. In the professional world, excellence is expected and required for maintaining long-term employment. There is no room for mediocrity. Attempting to minimize your weakness at the expense of shaping your biggest talents is a deadly strategic error as “B” and “C” employees are often the first ones to go, if ceteris paribus of course.
So, the million dollar questions then are — what is your biggest strength? What are you great at? Or better yet… what do others tell you you are great at? Finding the answers to these former questions can make or break your career. Salaries and positions come and go but your ability to perform at your very best stands and transcends organizations. You need to know the answers to these former questions. In my career, I have helped over 800 students to answer these former questions which is why they have gotten tremendous job offers after graduation ranging from being a media producer at the Chicago Bears to a leader at Lockheed Martin.
Let me be redundant but caring. Chances are high that others (not yourself) will find what you are truly great at. Listen carefully: Don’t dismiss what others say about you especially if they approach you with a caring voice. Their assessments are often right on. Put your pride to the side, humble yourself and do what needs to be done to be spectacular.
If your talent is public speaking, learn more about your craft, practice and practice more. Are you a great accountant? Innovate! Do what most accountants can’t do to near perfection quality. Is your talent computer science? My question for you is, “What are you doing to make your coding talent better everyday?” Combine your strengths with God’s will and you hit a home run!
Don’t be satisfied with being mediocre, as a former professor of mine used to tell us back when I was an undergraduate student, it’s how you act, react, do your work and interact with others. I say, “maximize your strengths!” You can do it.