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.
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