We don’t like talking about them. As a matter of fact, we usually do everything we can to hide them. We’re convinced they cannot benefit us and they add no value.

I’m talking about weaknesses. Everyone has them. No one is strong in every area of life. It’s just the way we’re made. Whether through genetics, conditioning, or skills from birth, you’ll notice that being gifted in one area will usually result in being weak in another.

Every leader has weaknesses. We are full of flaws. The goal is to be aware of them and then learn to work with them. A lack of awareness of our weaknesses will result in leadership that can’t achieve all that is possible. Also, your team will know your flaws whether you acknowledge those flaws or not. As a leader, you’re better off talking to your team about your weaknesses.

This week, I want to look in the mirror. I want to tell you what I get wrong and how I try to address it. What are my weaknesses?

First, I’m very impatient. I want to win, and I want to win NOW. I want things to change overnight. People don’t change quickly. It’s slow and tedious. That can sometimes make me frustrated, and it can show. How do I address my impatience? At the end of each day, I’ll write down what is testing my patience and how I can possibly show more grace or apply some positive pressure to push growth.

Second, I can often recommend solutions instead of asking questions that will lead to an answer. This one really frustrates me. I’m not here to tell people what the solution is. I want to ask the right questions that will lead you to discovering what’s best next. A strength of mine is listening to a problem and seeing the solution. But when you’re coaching others, they need to arrive at the solution because they’re convinced of it. I try to keep this in check by keeping a simple principle in mind; ask questions.

Third, age is taking a toll on my memory. I often can’t remember things as well as I did a few years back. Getting older sucks. How do I work with that? I write everything down. You’ll find a folder in my Apple notes for every person I meet with through the week. I’ll take notes on our conversations, keep an agenda for our meetings, and write questions I’d like to ask. I’ve come to believe that a dull pencil is better than a sharp mind.

Finally, accounting is not my gift. Mrs. Kayla and our CPA keep everything straight. Don’t get me wrong, I can create a killer spreadsheet and track numbers. But I don’t understand all the tax stuff, who gets what amount, and so on. Simple math is not a problem for me. Start including formulas and I’m lost. I thank God for K and our CPA.

Know your weaknesses. Always play to your strengths. Develop tips and tricks that will help you work with areas where aren’t the strongest. Be honest with yourself. Shine a light on yourself and allow your team to surround you and pick up the areas that aren’t your strong suit.

Everyone has weaknesses. What are yours? Are you handling them in a manner that makes you and your team better?

Leadership matters,

Brian

Corner House Agency

brian@cornerhouseagency.com

www.cornerhouseagency.com