A few years back, the big and hip idea in leadership discussions was the idea of working to your strengths.
This was and is a great concept and, as I stated by including a book about it on my Butt Kickin Book List, an important concept to understand as a leader. It’s not as hip as it was…but still very important.
Along with this discussion came an annoying, but related conversation.
To illustrate this, let me tell you a story.
When I was a high school teacher I had a kid whose dad was really involved with leadership development. The student had heard about the concept of working towards your strengths….he had even taken the tests to discover his strengths! As his math teacher, I had to sit him down to talk about his poor grade….and do you know what he told me?
He said…”Yeah…I know…math is just not one of my strengths!”
Like it’s OK to completely fail at things that are not your strengths!?!?
He loved the next part…when I said…
“Maybe no, but you still have to get a “C” if you want me to promote you to the next grade!
The other side of discovering your strengths is being aware of your weaknesses.
Once you know them, you have to have a tough conversation with yourself…
Are you getting a “C” in your weaknesses or are you “failing math?”
- Are you incredibly creative…but can’t make it to a meeting on time?
- Are you incredibly relational…but can’t organize your desk to the point you can find the phone number for your next appointment?
- Are you incredibly organized and meticulous…but can’t have a decent enough conversation with anybody to be useful or helpful?
Here’s my point…
I totally want you to focus on your strengths. I want you to do incredible things for the Kingdom…those things are going to be our of your sweet spot…those things are going to be straight from your strengths…
I just don’t want you to limit your opportunities because you won’t address your weaknesses. After all…they are your weaknesses. They are still your responsibility.
Ask for help, take a class, read a book….Get a “C”
What’s holding you back from getting to use your strengths?
Great post!
Thanks bro…
This is SOO FUNNY…I just listened to an Andy Stanley Leadership podcast about this very topic! I guess I’m a bit behind…better late than never!
(Trust me, I understand what you’re saying too – I have children that feel the same way, and I remember feeling that way when I was in school. If it doesn’t come easy, it’s not meant to be!)
very funny…thanks Theresa.
Shef