Embracing Your Weaknesses... Maybe They're Just Growth Opportunities in Disguise

Part of getting better is not just seeing the places you need to grow but learning from them and leveraging them to turn them into strengths. Over the years, I've often felt I needed to hide my weaknesses or that they made me "less" than others. The funny thing is, you can't hide them, and somehow, I was usually the last to see them, and that's probably true for you, too. However, true growth comes when you can see your weaknesses not as flaws or disqualifications but as opportunities, strengths, and, in some cases, the things that make you unique. Being transparent about who you are and where you're weak isn't a sign of weakness but, in fact, a strength. I've always valued transparent leaders and what being transparent says about them. It's not just a quality I admire but also one I try to model. So today, I'm going to share three weaknesses I've struggled with throughout my career as an executive assistant and leader that I've turned into opportunities instead of what I always saw as flaws.

My Achilles Heel

Responsibility is my greatest weakness and strength, or as I call it, my Achilles heel. Those who know me have seen it in action, and even those who don't know me can quickly tell that I take my responsibilities seriously and do everything with excellence. As an executive assistant and leader, these traits are incredibly valuable. When I say I will do something or figure it out, there is no doubt that I'll take care of it.

However, my sense of responsibility can become a weakness when it is out of balance, and when coupled with excellence, it's almost a perfect storm. I tend to work long hours, neglect taking time off, and prioritize everyone else's needs above my own. Responsibility is the one area I find the most challenging to keep in balance, and when I neglect it, those closest to me are impacted the most, and perfectionism can replace excellence.

Organizations value responsibility, and having a strong sense of it can be a valuable asset. However, it's crucial to keep it in check. Having a leader who cares about your growth and is invested in your long-term success will also be instrumental in holding you accountable. So here's the opportunity: surround yourself with people who know you well and will call you out when you're out of balance and hold you to staying healthy.

No's the Word

I used to be the type of person who was always skeptical and quick to say "no" or question why we were doing something. In my previous job, my teammates and even my boss got used to my tendency to point out potential issues and even be skeptical of ideas. I would often say "no" or explain all the reasons why it was a bad idea. It became somewhat of a running joke to see if something could get past me or how I would react to it.

At first, I saw this as a weakness, and I struggled with it. I thought I should be more accepting of things, roll with them, and be a team player. However, as I tried to figure out how to grow and improve, I met with a few leaders outside my team and a mentor to get a different perspective.

To my surprise, every leader I met with said the same thing: every team needs someone who questions why they are doing something and says "no." It wasn't a weakness after all. It was a strength, especially in my roles, because I could see multiple steps down the road and ask great questions that would push our teams to dig deeper before moving forward.

However, being the "no" person all the time could also be a problem if not balanced. People might start to resent you if you don't build solid relationships with them, and "no" might become your default, causing you to lose your unbiased perspective. So, I learned to listen, ask great questions, offer insight into a different solution, and occasionally say "yes." So here's the opportunity: seek wisdom from different perspectives to help guide you the next time you doubt something about yourself, ask great questions, and don't always say "no."

Who's that impostor?

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong or that you can't possibly be who everyone thinks you are? Well, I have. Impostor syndrome is a real thing. I was recently in a conversation with a CEO friend, and he said something to this effect: "It doesn't matter what role you're in. Almost all the other CEOs I know face the same thing." So why do we all get hung up on worrying about what everyone thinks? Why has it bothered me before, or sometimes still does? Bottom line. We're human, and we're vulnerable. Some of us may fake it better than others, but most likely, just like me, you've experienced it.

Here's how this has played out for me. When I've allowed those feelings to overtake me, it's come out in questioning my own decisions, leading from control instead of trust, and overworking to compensate for areas I feel I'm not skilled in. Regardless of making it through the moments, that is different from the true reflection of who I am or who I am as a leader. One of the best things I ever did was learning to be okay with saying things like, "I don't know, but I'll learn." or "I don't know." or "Can you teach me?" All those phrases show strength, not weakness. Leaders above you will admire you for it, and the people you lead will respect you more because of your transparency. So here's the opportunity: the next time you feel like the impostor, be vulnerable and show who you are, and don't be afraid to model saying, "I don't know."

The process of embracing our vulnerabilities is often viewed as uncomfortable and daunting. But as we learn to accept and work through our weaknesses, we open up new avenues for personal growth and development. By recognizing the common thread of vulnerability that runs through all our experiences, we can foster a sense of shared experience and community that allows us to grow and thrive together.

Through my journey of self-discovery, I've learned the importance of transparency, balance, and embracing our vulnerabilities. I've come to understand that true strength lies not in hiding our weaknesses but in using them as a foundation for growth and development. When we work together in a spirit of openness and honesty, we create an environment where everyone can contribute their unique strengths and perspectives and learn and grow together.

As you embark on your journey of self-discovery and team-building, remember that the most valuable asset you can bring to any team is your willingness to be vulnerable, share your experiences and perspectives openly, and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with personal growth and development. By doing so, you can create an environment where everyone can flourish and reach their full potential as individuals and as a team.

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness." -Brené Brown