Mastering Your "Non-Strengths": A Roadmap to Success

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We often hear the advice to "focus on your strengths," and while that's undeniably important, it doesn't mean we can simply ignore our "non-strengths" – those areas where we're less naturally gifted or skilled. In fact, understanding how to navigate these challenges can be just as crucial for sustained success.

A "weakness" isn't inherently a "bad thing." It's simply something that might get in the way of achieving our goals or operating at our peak. The good news? You can absolutely control how you approach these areas.

Inspired by a fantastic visual roadmap, here's how you can proactively manage your "non-strengths" and turn potential roadblocks into pathways for growth and greater effectiveness:

#1 - Claim Them! Yes, you should absolutely focus on your strengths, but don't shy away from owning your weaknesses. Acknowledging them is the first, most powerful step towards managing them effectively. It allows for honest self-assessment and opens the door to solutions.

#2 - Minimize the Effort If possible, avoid the task altogether. If that's not realistic for your role or goal, then find a partner, mentor, or colleague with complementary skills. Ask for their help or coaching to bridge your gap. Delegating or seeking support can save immense time and frustration.

#3 - Collaboration is key! Actively seek out others who possess the skills you lack. By teaming up on assignments or projects, you not only leverage their strengths but also create a more robust and effective outcome. Two heads are often better than one, especially when they bring different talents to the table.

#4 - Apply One of Your Strengths This is where your natural talents come into play. Can you leverage one or more of your existing strengths to adjust your approach to the "non-strength"? For instance, if organization is a strength but public speaking is not, perhaps you can use your organizational skills to meticulously prepare and structure your presentation, minimizing the impact of your lesser speaking talent. Find creative ways your strengths can enhance or compensate for the weakness.

#5 - Just Do It! Sometimes, you just need to lean in and get it done. Don't strive for perfection; negotiate a standard that's good enough to achieve the outcome. Focus intently on the outcomes, not necessarily the granular steps or your discomfort with them. Find your best way to get there, even if it's not the conventional one, and move forward.

This visual is a handy reminder that your "non-strengths" don't have to hold you back. By strategically claiming them, minimizing effort where possible, collaborating, leveraging your existing strengths, and sometimes just pushing through, you can personally control how these areas impact your success.

By Angie Janko, COO of GSD Coach & Recruiting, helping SaaS founders build the top 5% of talent, FAST!