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.
I tend to be a contrarian thinker. Especially when people make comments like “Well that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
I like to challenge the status quo with people in my organization. I feel like it can identify where we have gaps. And if after the questions people still feel their solution is the best, then at least we have challenged it enough to feel confident about it.
Thanks SB. Your comment brought to mind the value of bringing attributes/skills together. Contrarian plus communication skills. Or Contrarian plus curiosity. Or contrarian plus empathy.
I notice your mention of confidence. “… challenge it enough to feel confident about it.” We might think a contrarian is just being adversarial. But I notice a noble goal.
If you don’t mind me offering a tip for all contrarians. We develop a reputation for being honest and supportive when we vocally agree frequently. Cheers
Also consider—Even the best qualities can become weaknesses if pushed too far. Leaders help people find the appropriate spot between too much and too little.
As in “too much of a good thing.”