Recognizing your weaknesses is a real strength

We are all flawed in one way or another. Most people choose to put an emphasis on their strengths in order to help them succeed. What about your weaknesses? In fact, it is even more essential to understand your weaknesses.

Realizing you have weaknesses will make you a better leader. So how do you go about doing this analysis of self?

You do not have to go up high on a mountaintop and meditate to find out about yourself. Simply ask a trusted friend or colleague to help you discern some of your weaknesses. Once you determine what some of them are, start using them to your advantage.

Here is a short list of some leadership weaknesses.

Communication

Your greatest assets are your people. If you do not properly communicate with them, then this is where things start to break down. Time and time again, organizations have gone under because of miscommunication. 

Sit down with your employees and listen to what they have to say. They are doing the day-to-day functions of the company, and no one knows better than they do about what is really going on.

Setting the right tone will also help. The more responsive you are to your people, the more likely they will want to follow you. Establishing a positive attitude up front will go a long way in making sure you will not be ignored, and will ensure the work gets done.

Multitasking 

We are all guilty of doing too many things at one time. Multitasking robs us of our attention to what really matters.

Attention to detail is important for a business's bottom line. It is better to get one item done correctly than trying to fix the mistakes that often come about through multitasking.

As a leader you must set an example. Your team is looking at what you do and will try to mirror your behavior. The best way to support your company is by being organized and methodical in getting your tasks done. This alleviates a lot of mistakes and benefits you as a leader for showing this type of behavior.

Quick decisions

As a leader, you do not always have the luxury of taking your time in making decisions. However, too many quick and impulsive decisions will negatively affect you and the organization.

Decisions can make or break your company. Taking a little more time is better than just snapping your fingers to make something happen. Leaders use their judgement and assessment skills in making the choices necessary for the organization. In the end, you will be glad you went the extra mile in making that decision.

Finally, leaders will always have to overcome obstacles in their path, and weaknesses are no exception. What those weaknesses are and how you look at them will set you apart.

Each situation you encounter will have its own set of weaknesses. If you are good at one task but lack a skill in another area, this is a way to delegate that responsibility and help someone to grow.

Knowing your weaknesses helps build a better you and shows your competency as a leader.