Manage Weaknesses With This Simple Advice from the Experts
I’m a big fan of the Clifton Strengths Finder from Gallup. They are the experts on strengths and weaknesses. Gallup’s basic philosophy is to develop strengths and manage weaknesses. However, many people overlook their approach for managing weaknesses.
In Gallup’s Strengths Based Parenting book author Mary Reckmeyer, PH.D., shares some pretty simple advice on how to manage weaknesses. Reckmeyer states:
The way to manage weaknesses is this: Do what you need to do so that weaknesses don’t get in the way of your goals. If your child shows a serious weakness in some area, don’t force her to focus on it in hopes that she’ll triumph over it. She won’t. If she has horrible handwriting, have her practice until it is legible and let it go at that.
This is simple but profound advice. Whether you’re attempting to manage the weaknesses of your child or your own weaknesses the steps are the same. Reckmeyer suggest:
- Stop trying to fix weaknesses. Research shows that you can’t turn weaknesses into strengths.
- Spend as little time and energy in areas of weakness as possible, but don’t ignore them. In general, invest the minimum amount of time needed so they don’t get in the way of goals.
- Spend most of your time and energy investing in talents and strengths. First, integrate them into daily life. Then learn how to leverage them to cope with your weaknesses.