Making The Move From Good to Great

Posted on September 29, 2008 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Most Americans do not know what their strengths are. When you ask them, they look at you with a blank stare, or they respond in terms of subject knowledge, which is the wrong answer. - Peter Drucker

** Benjamin Franklin said wasted strengths were "sundials in the shade."

Dr. Howard Hendrix, a professor at Dallas Seminary gives a test to incoming seminary students. He hands each student a 3X5 card and says he is giving them a “simple test to see if they will succeed in ministry." He asks his students to list on one side of the card their 3 biggest personal weaknesses - which the students usually list quickly. Dr. Hendrix then asks his students to turn over the card and write their 3 greatest strengths. This time, many of the students just sit at their desks not knowing what to write.

Dr. Hendrix then teaches his students a profound truth, saying “though you will need to manage your weaknesses, if you do not have extreme clarity regarding your 3 biggest strengths – and then focus on and leverage those strengths – you will never make it in ministry.”

** The reason we need to be crystal clear regarding our strengths is that our natural abilities and talents provide the means to effectively accomplish our dreams. Yes, weaknesses need to be managed, but it will be our strengths which will propel us, and then help us sustain the momentum needed to courageously advance toward our preferred future. ** Gallup writes, “The point is not that we should always forgo working on our weaknesses. The point is that we should see it for what it is: damage control, not development. And damage control will prevent failure, but it will never elevate us to excellence. We are to capitalize our strengths, while managing around our weaknesses”… and as a leader, help our followers to do the same.

Look inside yourself, try to identify your strongest threads, reinforce them with practice and learning, and then carve out a role that draws on these strengths every day. When you do, you will be more productive, more fulfilled, and more successful. Most people believe that their greatest improvement will come from overcoming their weaknesses. Years of research by The Gallup Organization and others say – NO!

So – questions to consider and act upon:

What are your top three or four strengths?

What can you do differently that will develop and leverage your strengths more intentionally?

Regarding those you lead, how can you better development and utilize their strengths?