Benjamin Franklin—one of the more extraordinarily versatile and prolific figures of our great country—wrote the following in his famous 1750 collection of wisdom,
Poor Richard’s Almanack
: “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” Maybe “to know one’s self” means different things to different people. I like to think it entails an honest, frequent assessment of the traits that comprise our character. For those in a managerial position, this is especially important.
As a manager, you’ve attained a position of leadership through hard work, experience, and an elevated knowledge of your trade. You’re now trusted with the authority to positively motivate personnel and influence decisions. Maybe the path to management didn’t include a conscientious analysis of your strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you have a natural talent for organization; that’s great! But what if, at heart, you’re an introvert? The thought of frequent interaction with others could be a little intimidating.
The point is to determine our strengths and weaknesses in a thorough manner. We probably have a pretty good idea of the areas where we excel, and how those qualities enable us to feel confidently about our jobs. On the other hand, it can be uncomfortable to objectively face our limitations; it might bring up feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. However awkward it may be, a comprehensive evaluation of strengths and weaknesses increases self-awareness and, ultimately, serves us well.
Essentially, there are two ways to undertake a leadership role. The first is to concentrate on our strengths and to maximize them in such a way that capably fulfills those managerial responsibilities. The second is to address any self-evident weaknesses that will help us execute our tasks more effectively. This is where continuing education comes in. Regardless of style, good managers will take their strengths and weaknesses into account as part of their overall success.
Benjamin Franklin was right. Self-knowledge certainly isn’t an easy proposition. And it’s not just an esoteric concept spouted by philosophers. It is a life-enriching pursuit. Achievements that are worthwhile will always require a certain amount of work. When we acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, we can navigate our professional environment more effectively. Because the quality of relating to others begins with how we understand and value ourselves.
