Behavioural flex. When our greatest strengths can be our greatest weaknesses
A friend of mine is a very generous, kind person. He was speaking of a challenge where someone in his world was dictating terms he disagreed with, but, to keep the peace, was going along with it.
I said: “You know, your greatest strength is that you're a lovely bloke. But your greatest weakness…” (and he, finishing the sentence said) “is that I’m a lovely bloke.” “You got it,” I responded.
Many years ago, I consulted with a business owner with a similar disposition to my friend. One of his leading hands exhibited an I’ll do what I want attitude, with willful and lazy behaviours to match. The business owner’s strength became his weakness when he wouldn’t address the issue directly. Toxic infection from the leading hand spread like a rampant disease through the workplace.
On the flip side, I coached a manager who was more assertive in their leadership style. While their strength worked in some situations, it didn’t in others. One of their team needed a more supportive style and we worked on shifting his behavioural approach for an upcoming meeting. The result was a dramatic, positive response from the employee.
Whether we exhibit softer or more hard-ass people skills, a more facilitative or command-and-control leadership style, our strength is found in the ability to flex—flexing our behaviours according to the person or situation we are addressing.
While I am unsure about the process of changing personalities, I do know we can instantly shift behaviour, and in this way, our innate strengths don’t have to become our weaknesses.
Ray
Please click the ‘heart’ if this was helpful. I always love to know.
ray@rayhodge.com.au; www.rayhodge.com.au; +61 403 341 105
Connect with me on LinkedIn
*Photo by Jonathan Borba