Skill or Character?
There may be a variety of factors that go into why one chooses to go into a particular role (work, volunteer, or other). For many, it’s the utilization of skills, abilities, or strengths that draws them to their work. Additionally, one may feel drawn to an organization’s mission or vision. Likewise, for entrepreneurs, it’s the fulfillment of a personal purpose that motivates them to start something of their own. Yet, what maintains one’s work in their respective role(s) isn’t skill alone. Character is just as important, if not more in particular contexts.
Character as it relates to this writing can be defined as one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual; the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation; moral excellence and firmness; or reputation (Merriam-Webster). For me, these definitions speak to that which separates individuals from others, including the choice to stay true to oneself and/or others and one’s values.
A leader or a hiring professional may not always know the breadth of qualities individuals coming on to a team possess but when considering individuals who have similar skills, the attributes or features that may set someone apart, or their character, could make the difference. As time goes on in a role, skills and/or character may become more apparent, further solidifying the value that individuals bring to an organization or mission/vision. On the other hand, challenges in skills and/or character may be more evident over time, prompting one’s position or role to be reconsidered. If skills are lacking, it is certainly possible to find out where someone’s skills may be best utilized or where additional training and support may be needed. In other words, skills can be learned or transferred. However, if someone’s character is in question, particularly as it concerns ethical decision making, morals, or reputation which negatively impacts one’s work, this could jeopardize one’s position or role, regardless of the skills that could be utilized or gained.
The character of individuals in leadership or ownership of a business may also be what sets organizations apart for individuals looking for opportunities to utilize their skills or strengths. Especially at this current time when individuals are seeking changes in the workplace, the quality of their experiences matter. It is less likely for someone to stay with an organization where they feel undervalued, overworked, and/or mistreated. What do you look for in others’ character? What do others say about your character, and what is its impact personally and professionally? Lastly, how are you building both skills and character?
I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share a comment or reach out if you’d like to connect, have questions, or are interested in partnering.
Healthy Messages™ helps professionals, leaders, and business owners in human services improve, craft, and implement communication within and across systems.
Learn more about Healthy Messages™ mission, vision, and outcomes.
Utilizing Strengths & Weaknesses
Think about the qualities/attributes that you possess. These strengths likely influence others in your life, personally and professionally, and support you in the work that you do. For you, what strengths come to mind, and what makes them strengths? Maybe it’s something that you do well, have utilized for some time, or gained a lot of knowledge about. Perhaps you are aware of abilities/areas that you would like to make stronger or actually consider to be weaknesses and would like to make strengths. What about qualities/attributes that you consider both strengths and weaknesses? Sometimes the challenges that we face can be viewed as weaknesses but in overcoming them, due to what was learned/overcome, we are able to utilize them as strengths and are in a better position to navigate similar challenges in the future, even in our work with others. Can you think of areas like this in your own life and work?
One example that comes to mind is related to one’s own experiences with emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, and/or financial challenges. These are challenges that often face individuals receiving services in various helping fields. The term wounded healer, created by psychologist Carl Jung, states that someone in a helping position is compelled to help because of their personal experiences with being wounded. Coming to a place of wholeness, transformation, and/or growth in one’s own life presents opportunities to support others who may be experiencing similar challenges and continue to develop personal and professional strengths.
The reality is life itself presents a number of challenges that we all face with varying degrees of impact (everyone may experience things differently). It’s how we utilize our strengths and weaknesses that make a difference. It’s also important to pay attention to the challenges that can present a weakness to our detriment or the detriment of others, particularly those that you seek to help or serve.
In considering your strengths and weaknesses, are you aware of the areas that you would benefit from continuing to grow in? I believe this is extremely important for professionals in helping fields or professionals in other fields who serve in a position in support of other members of a team. We want to be our best selves and give our best to the people we serve. Healthy Messages™ is interested in influences on work and leadership in helping fields and committed to personal, professional, and organizational growth, including skills in communication and organizational change/development. I’d love your feedback on a related survey or by commenting on this blog. Also consider support in mentoring, training, and development.
I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share a comment or reach out if you’d like to connect, have questions, or are interested in partnering.
Healthy Messages™ helps professionals, leaders, and business owners in human services improve, craft, and implement communication within and across systems.
Learn more about Healthy Messages™ mission, vision, and outcomes.
Natural Gifts
What are you naturally gifted at doing? No one can teach you this. You could gain new skills in this area but otherwise could do it without formal education. It’s just what you are good at. Another way of saying something comes naturally to you is it is an ability or quality you were uniquely born with. Can you think of particular characteristics, qualities, and/or abilities that stick out to as natural gifts? Or maybe it’s something others have told you they appreciate about you.
Your unique qualities, characteristics, and/or abilities are what make you, you. There are times though when what was intended to be a help can be taken for granted or taken advantage of. We often know what it’s like to have kindness taken for weakness. In this case, the strengths we possess can begin to feel like burdens. This is never a good experience and can cause harm for all involved. In my own life, I can say I have not always recognized my natural gifts. In fact, I’m realizing more and more I almost ran away from them. Subconsciously, due to negative experiences where my strengths were taken as weaknesses, I had developed fears. So instead of taking the initiative as the leader I was purposed to be, I took the back seat. Instead of speaking up, I listened. Supporting others and having a listening ear are all wonderful qualities to have and are integral for leadership (I feel they also make me who I am today). In my case, though, there were instances when I wasn’t reaching my full potential. I was actually stunting my growth by accepting defeat. Taking the initiative and advocating for and encouraging change are two of my greatest strengths. Thus, in addition to recognizing the value you have to offer to others, it’s important to be aware of the ways in which you are not embracing all that makes you special, including what may be perceived as a weakness.
When you give a gift to someone, something amazing happens, especially if it is a gift that meets a particular need that someone has. An exchange occurs that is mutually beneficial. Not only is someone positively impacted by what you share with them but you too are positively impacted by helping others. A friend shared recently about the joy of learning from helping others. This reminded me of the significance of gift giving and the opportunity we all have to take part in sharing and receiving the best we have to offer.
Take some time to think more about the natural gifts (qualities, characteristics, and/or abilities) you possess. Consider your life experiences, what you recognize as personal strengths and passions, and the gift you may be in the lives of others.
I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share a comment or reach out if you’d like to connect, have questions, or are interested in partnering.
Healthy Messages™ helps professionals, leaders, and business owners in human services improve, craft, and implement communication within and across systems.
Learn more about Healthy Messages™ mission, vision, and outcomes.