Throughout our day to day activities, whether we are at work or not, we rely on our strengths to do things well. If we use the DISC as a guide, people’s strengths fall into 4 different areas: Dominance, influence, steadiness, and compliance. Granted, we are a combination of all 4 areas, but one usually rises to the surface as our key personality indicator.
Many people acknowledge that they need to do work on their weakest area. But what many people underestimate is the extent to which their strength can cause them issues. Your greatest strength can help you achieve great heights, but can also set you back on your way to achieving those heights. It can be a blessing or a curse.
I will use myself as an example. My dominant trait is an I (Influencing). My greatest strength is connecting with people. When that strength becomes a weakness, however, it means that I may seek approval from others. I have the potential to lose perspective when I need to choose integrity over connection.
Because of this, I often say that I need to keep an eye on my “I.”
The same is true for every strength. D’s can use their dominance to achieve, but can become Domineering and overbearing which slows the pace of their achievement. S’s provide Solid Steadiness, but can become incredibly Stubborn when life throws curveballs. C’s build systems so that things are done Correctly, but can suffer from “analysis paralysis” as they get lost in details.
Every strength has its dark side, just as every weakness has a silver lining.
Once we see clearly that our strengths have both a good and bad side, we gain perspective. We can begin to recognize when our strengths begin to turn against us and the people around us. Through this self-awareness, our strengths can be honed and developed into the positive force we wish them to be.
- What is your greatest strength and when do you use it most?
- What does it look like when this strength works against you?
- When your strength works against you, what type of trigger initiates this?
Have a great week!
Chuck Ross
John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and DISC consultant
Author: Change? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?
530-277-6161
“They themselves are makers of themselves.” James Allen
