Embrace Your Strengths, Solve Your Weaknesses!

by Wayne Ottum

“At times, our strengths propel us so far forward we can no longer endure our weaknesses and perish from them.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

How do you simultaneously solve your weaknesses through a focus on your strengths? It starts by understanding the three types of weaknesses.

Three Types of Weaknesses

Weaknesses can be broken down into three categories, as shown in the following diagram:

LiFS Weaknesses Chart Flat

Perceived Weaknesses: Weaknesses that others, and often we ourselves, perceive in us. It looks something like this… An individual has the ability to command and control any situation. They can step in, take charge, and get results. This is a great and highly valued strength. Unfortunately, many people perceive someone like this as pushy, bossy, or controlling. Thus, they “perceive” this person’s strength as a weakness. This “perceived weakness” is actually that person’s strength, taken to extreme, without consideration for the potential negative consequences of this natural way of thinking, feeling and behaving.

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