Like many people, I used to focus on overcoming my weaknesses. Consequently, I got slightly better in my weakest areas and no better in my strengths. I learned that I needed to develop my weaknesses only when and if they were holding back my strengths. Otherwise, I need to develop my strengths and become the best in what I was created to do.
As I got into the professional world, I realized that my weaknesses are other’s strengths. A good team, as I’ve learned, is a group of very different people whose strengths and weaknesses complement each other. In freelancing, finding a good team is hard. I believe technology will allow more freelancers to collaborate internationally and rival the salary teams of large corporations.
If you want to discover your strengths and develop them, you need to get ‘Strengths Finder 2.0′ by Tom Rath. More than just another self help book, ‘Strengths Finder 2.0′ comes with a code you use online to unlock a very detailed strengths assessment. After you finish the assessment, the website gives you a report of your top five strengths. The book, then, helps you learn more about your strengths and how your strengths work with the strengths of others.
This was one self help book that I felt better after reading, rather than being burdened by all the new things I ‘have’ to do. I highly recommend it.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ll check the book out. My thing is the last time I took something like this, what my strengths were, were not the things that brought me joy. So how does one balance that?
That is an excellent question! This book isn’t like the test you get from the high school or college counselor. It focuses on identifying strengths that can be used in a variety of vocations or hobbies. For example, my strengths are identified as: Connectedness, Strategic, Communication, Positivity, and Ideation. In my situation, these strengths apply to my family, my art and creativity, and my profession.
I hope you have a similar experience. Let me know.
I’ll definitely let you know. Sounds like it will be much more useful than telling me I’m an engineer when that’s the last thing I want to be. Thanks!