The Surprising Power of 10 Weaknesses
Weaknesses are tools, not flaws. Self-aware leaders use their sharp edges to shape a better future. For example, impatience when paired with emotional intelligence fuels progress.
10 Weaknesses that can be tools:
#1. Impatience
Denny Strigl, former president and CEO of Verizon Wireless told me the quality that served him best in his career was impatience; the inability to tolerate delay. “It always drove me nuts when people said, ‘If we only had this or that, then we could get things done.’”
#2. Narcissism
Narcissism that fuels confidence and independence serves you well. Ego enables you to believe in yourself, your vision and to overcome groupthink.
#3. Stubbornness
Persistence protects you from creating instability through constant change. Mulishness keeps you grounded in your values when others drift.
#4. Self-Doubt
Doubt is awareness. It invites humility, reflection, and better decisions. Leaders who never question themselves are blind to danger.
#5. Anxiety
Anxiety sharpens attention. Uneasy leaders prepare. Overconfident leaders scramble when things go sideways.
#6. Guilt
Guilt reflects a moral compass. Feeling responsible for your actions nudges you to repair damaged relationships and make offenses right.
#7. Distrust
Not everyone deserves your full trust. A touch of skepticism protects your team and motivates you to double-check.
#8. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the soil where empathy grows. It helps you understand people, build trust, and lead with compassion.
#9. Contrarianism
Contrarians challenge the status quo and guard against groupthink. They find new solutions by asking, “What if we’re wrong?”
#10. Frustration
Anger is productive when it motivates positive action. Don’t linger in “don’t want.” Focus on what you do want.
Channel weaknesses toward useful ends.
Challenge: Choose one of the weaknesses listed above and explain how it could be used to achieve positive ends.
What warning should be added to the items on this post?
I recently finished Rich Diviney’s book, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance. This post is inspired by his work.
