Weaknesses are often hidden strengths - Strengths orientation with Frank Rebmann
Many people complain about their "weaknesses" throughout their lives and try to eliminate them. This is usually not successful - among other reasons, because many so-called weaknesses actually hide strengths. The keyword here is strengths orientation! It is much more meaningful to develop our talents and use the strong side of our weaknesses.
"I am too perfectionistic." "I can't assert myself." "I get impatient quickly." Trainers, consultants, and coaches often hear such statements when they ask their participants why they have problems with certain tasks and situations. They list their supposed weaknesses in such detail that one could almost get the impression: This person has more "weaknesses" than "strengths". However, in a personal conversation with the respective person, it quickly becomes apparent that they have already mastered many challenges in their professional life. So why do we often focus more intensively on our weaknesses than on our strengths?
Why we focus more on weaknesses than on strengths
Many things that we do well, we consider as a matter of course. For example, it does not fill many good writers with pride that they can write well. After all, that's their job. And many excellent listeners are not proud that they can listen well.
Our weaknesses are often exaggerated strengths
Upon closer examination of the so-called weaknesses, it also becomes apparent that they are often not weaknesses, but exaggerated strengths. For example, a person who "tends to be pedantic" always works very neatly and conscientiously. That means: they work in a structured way and regularly check for mistakes. This behavior only becomes a weakness when:
- the employee in question takes on tasks where this behavior hinders rather than promotes success, or
- for example, they check every work step multiple times out of fear of making a mistake, causing work to come to a standstill.
This applies to almost all "weaknesses". They are mostly exaggerated strengths. For example, high initiative can quickly turn into a lack of teamwork. And caution can lead to a lack of decisiveness. However, only if the person in question takes on a task where these behavioral patterns are not required.
Here's an example: If an aircraft technician checks and inspects the most important parts of an aircraft dozens of times, in scorching heat as well as in pouring rain, they are acting correctly. After all, a wrong decision could cost hundreds of lives. On the other hand, if a purchaser checks dozens of times whether to order the new pens from this or that wholesaler, this is more a sign of lack of decisiveness. This means: the same behavior can be a strength and a weakness - depending on the situation in which it is displayed.
Strengths orientation opens up new perspectives
Many people are not clearly aware of these connections. In this case, a neutral conversation partner is helpful, who opens their eyes again - not only to their obvious strengths but also to those strengths that are hidden behind their "weaknesses". They then realize: Their weakness is essentially a strength that they only activate at the wrong time. This means: they can benefit from their weakness if they use its strong side at the right time.
Such an eye-opening experience is also fruitful for personal development because many people who frequently encounter the same barriers believe: I have to change radically. For weaknesses that are only exaggerated strengths, this is not necessary. In this case, small behavioral corrections are sufficient to get back on the path to success.
For more information on strengths orientation and Frank Rebmann, please visit:http://www.trainers-excellence.de/redner/frank-rebmann.html
