I work with a lot of leaders who are great at telling me their greatest weaknesses. They
often tell me they are too sensitive, too hypervigilant, too forgiving, too ready to move
on, too much of a people- pleaser, and so on goes the list. Almost always, what I find in
these conversations is that the greatest weaknesses that my clients mention are
actually their greatest strengths that are sometimes overused.
Too sensitive might be the case when someone leans too heavy on emotions, and yet
being sensitive makes you a strong, connected, empathic leader. Being hypervigilant
can lead to stress and anxiety, yet when vigilance is used more moderately, we can
identify issues and concerns earlier rather than later. Again and again, the faults that
these leaders labeled themselves with also carried their greatest gifts. The gifts that
propelled them into successful leadership and fulfilling lives.
What so- called weaknesses are really your greatest strengths when used at the right
time and with the appropriate level of focus and intensity? How often are you bashing
your strengths by labeling them as weaknesses and then not utilizing them in ways that
make you unique and powerful? Tell me your greatest weakness and I’ll tell you that
there is a powerful strength right next to it.
One of my clients realized that her so- called hypervigilance is what made her such an
empathic connector and was the exact ability that made her such a powerful and
respected leader. Another client told me that he was a people- pleaser and at times he
was right. People- pleasing at the expense of ourselves, the situation, the team or the
organization is problematic. However, once my client and I dug in, we realized that
people- pleasing is what made him gain people’s trust quickly and powerfully. His goal
was to utilize that strength and also set appropriate boundaries so that his people-
pleasing was no longer a weakness.
When we turn our consciousness to our strengths and so- called weaknesses, we can
decide (versus react) when and how to use them to improve our leadership skills, our
executive presence, our communication, and our internal sense of confidence and
happiness. Take some time this week to think about what you’ve labeled as weakness
and then challenge that believe by asking, “How can I use this “weakness” as a
strength?”
Love,
Certified Professional Coach and Psychologist
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How often have you wished for that person in your life who listens deeply, doesn’t judge you, and doesn’t try to fix you? That person who holds space for you to talk through your struggles, your hopes, and dreams so that you can live the personal and professional life that you truly want? I’m that person. Yes, I’m a psychologist and a professional life and leadership coach but my superpower is listening, deep, empathic, compassionate listening. If you’ve been seeking a professional listener who will help you live the life you truly desire, let’s set up a time to talk. My email is Lisa@LisaKaplin.com.