weakness
noun
1.
the state or
condition of being weak.
synonyms: frailty, feebleness, enfeeblement, puniness, fragility, delicateness,
delicacy,
2.
a disadvantage or
fault.
Synonyms: Fault,
flaw, defect, deficiency, weak point/spot, failing, foible,
Shortcoming,
imperfection, blemish, chink in one’s armour
THE POPULAR VIEW
When such definitions and
synonyms are combined with a western puritan work ethic, there is little wonder why our
culture and society views weakness – and in particular admitting we have any – with
such negativity. In many areas of our lives weakness it is seen as, quite simply,
unacceptable. No where is this more pronounced than in the world of business
where accepting weakness is often regarded as kryptonite. Ours is a ‘can do’ society where individuals ‘in
control’, or those who make things happen, especially in the teeth of a storm,
are greatly admired.
Real life strategies, especially at work, need more than
gung-ho attitudes to stay the course
THE DAMAGE WITHIN
A problem we face is that we pften fear our weaknesses
and seek to keep them hidden – sometimes even from ourselves. Such negativity thrives in the dark corners of our
consciousness and if left to its own devices it festers and grows. Many believe
that if they admit to a weakness they will be judged and criticised by
their peers (as if those same peers do not possess weaknesses themselves). The
internal corrosion of fear and self-judgment, and the stress and anxiety it
creates, is not only damaging to our health, but is also completely unnecessary.
ACCEPTING WEAKNESS
The acceptance of weakness has to
be clearly defined. Surely we all accept the fact that we are not going to be
good at everything. Our abilities, our thoughts and actions, all have their
ups and downs. Weak points are inevitable, but accepting that fact does not mean
we are giving in to, or indulging, a flaw – it is a simple matter of reality and the
sooner we grasp that fact the sooner we can get on and do something about it.
If we ignore where we’re vulnerable, rest assured our competitors
will not
In businesses one so often hears military
and sporting metaphors being used, but many ignore an attitude to weakness
prevalent in elite sport and the military: they ignore it at their peril. They
may wish to conceal any weaknesses from a tactical point of view, but
behind the scenes their attitude to weakness is realistic, pragmatic with a
very practical and up-beat outlook.
THE BENEFITS OF ACCEPTING
WEAKNESS
- Once accepted, a weakness can be more easily quantified, understood and then work can begin to do something about it – a small piece at a time if necessary
- There is no longer a hidden fear linked to our most vulnerable points as we begin to rise to the challenge of addressing them
- When weaknesses comes to light, be grateful. Knowing they are there is half the battle because whether we like it or not, they’re there
- Being more intimately acquainted with the topography of our abilities and character makes us better equipped to face life on our terms. After all, if we know where the ditches are we can avoid driving into them
- Enormous motivation and forward momentum comes from tackling a weakness as opposed to ignoring it
- Whether weaknesses are neutralised, contained, or even removed altogether, we can then concentrate on the game winner: playing to our strengths.
If we do not manage our weaknesses, we can be certain that,
sooner
or later, they WILL manage us.
We hone our strengths and seek to
perfect them as they are our vanguard in life. But improving a weakness, even
by a few points can raise our whole performance right across the board.
Alan Keyse is a fully qualified Business and Life Coach who now applies his 30 years of experience as a sales executive to coaching Emotional Intelligence to business leaders, executives, managers and their staff either in one-to-one sessions, in groups, or speaking to larger audiences.
Alan Keyse
email Alan