We all can overplay our strengths now and then. It’s called “turning up the volume.” Think how good the music sounds at the right volume – but if you turn it up too high, it’s uncomfortable. Consider, the manager whose strength is assertiveness. Too much of that, and people could start to see her as pushy, dogmatic or even cocky. Then there’s the leader who’s widely admired as decisive. When heturns up the volume, people can start to view him as someone who believes he’s infallible. Decisiveness turns into impulsive.
What are your strengths? Chances are these qualities serve you well. When things are going well, you probably call on them in a natural, non-conscious way. But when you run into obstacles or opposition, are you doubling down by turning up the volume?
Now might be a good time to take pause, and reflect on how you’re deploying your strengths. Is there anything you’re turning up too high?
