I’ve been thinking about weaknesses lately.
For those who know me, I prefer the Gallup CliftonStrengths approach to strength-based growth.
In fact, when I do talk about weaknesses, I often mention “strengths in overdrive”.
Because when our strengths are in overdrive they can show up as a weakness.
What I’ve been thinking about are the weaknesses we assign ourselves.
The ones that can start with something like “I’m not good at (fill in the blank)”.
I have a list of those.
Networking is one of them.
My Perspective
Thinking deeper, networking ends up in the CliftonStrengths domain of Relationship Building.
This is my weakest domain.
It’s harder for us to hold confidence our weaker domains.
The challenge is to overcome fears and beliefs.
Step into the uncomfortable, weak areas.
My Story
Going back to my example – networking.
In the last 3-6 months, I have done much more intentional networking.
The formats have varied.
Events, conferences, in-person coffee chats, phone calls, and online meetings.
Looking back, they have been such a gift.
Reconnecting with co-workers and friends from the past.
Meeting new people.
Great conversations.
Those meetings have led to many things.
Ideas.
Additional meetings.
Extended connections.
The experience confirms for me why networking is so important.
I loved the moments where I helped someone make a connection with a person or idea.
If I hadn’t leaned into my perceived weakness, none of this would have occurred.
Serendipity and synchronicity were at play throughout.
Your Turn
Do you believe weaknesses hold us back?
What do you say to yourself “I’m not good at (blank)”?
How could you lean into that and see the gifts that might come your way?