As you know, I’m a huge believer in using your strengths as they help you reach your goals faster, smarter and more efficiently. Even though I’m all about focusing on what we are good at, I’m not oblivious to the fact that we have weaknesses. We do-it’s just a fact. We aren’t good at everything and when we are aware of our weaknesses we are better able to work around them.
But let me throw a curve ball at you… everything that isn’t a strength doesn’t mean it’s a weakness. It could be a “non-talent”. I know what you’re thinking… “what on earth are you talking about?”
According to Gallup, “a non-talent isn’t a weakness until it impedes productivity.” In basic terms, a non-talent is something that doesn’t come naturally to you but until it gets in your way of accomplishing something- it isn’t considered a weakness.
So, what does this mean? That we can work on our non-talents so they don’t become weaknesses. We have the power and the opportunity to manage around our non-talents and help them not slip to the dark side.. weaknesses.
According to Gallup there are six ways to deal with non-talents. Let’s take a deep dive and evaluate them.
Open Communication and Transparency
Ain’t nobody got time for you to pretend you know what you’re doing but you don’t! Have an open line of communication and ask for help if you need it. This isn’t a chance for you to take everything you do off your plate or shirk responsibilities because you aren’t “good at them.”
This is the opportunity to be open with your team about what you might feel more comfortable doing and what you bring to the table. Use this as a chance to find ways to use your strengths, and develop more meaningful and open relationships with your coworkers.
Get the Right Training
Training is where it’s at! We can always learn something whether it’s in a book, online, webinar, course, from a friend, etc. Think about what you might be missing and see if there is some sort of training around it. Remember, you aren’t going to be able to make your non-talent into a strength but you can learn the basics to get by.
Coming from someone who always strives for the best, I still believe that sometimes we just have to get by. I’m never going to be a graphic designer but I can do some research and do the best I can with what I have and then try to outsource the rest. Sometimes we just need to get things done and learning the basics can go a long way. This can also be helpful if you try to find someone to work with so you know exactly what type of help and support you need.
Leverage Other Talents
We aren’t good at everything, sorry friends, we just aren’t. And you know what…that’s OK! Once we have identified our strengths and talents we can rely on them and use them more as our anchor. If there is a piece to the puzzle missing, think about it and see if any of your other talents can be helpful to the task itself or can help you find someone or something that would make the task easier.
I’m not a huge fan of numbers and analytics. Sometimes I wish it was my jam since it would make somethings easier but it’s not and I have accepted that. When I make decisions it’s usually based on my gut, research, educated guesses and a little bit of data. If I want to take my business to the next level, I need to analyze data a little more and I know I don’t have the talents to do that. I heavily rely on my relationship building skills and have surrounded myself with a network that helps and supports one another in different areas using their strengths.
Use Your Support System
Remember, we can’t go out things alone. It’s so important to have a support system and accountability partners who we can rely on to bounce ideas off of, provide advice and most importantly their support.
I used to go at my goals and job alone and completely and totally burned out! I quickly realized that if I am going to get anywhere, I need to find people who want me to succeed as much as I do.
Form Complementary Partnerships
When looking at your strengths as a whole, what are you missing? It’s important to find someone that has different talents who is able to not only challenge you but can fill in the gaps where you might be missing something.
At the office, my best working relationships are with people who think differently than I do. Many of my strengths are in relationship building and partnering with someone who thinks more strategically and analytically always brings a fresh new perspective.
Adjust and Change Your Role
If you are constantly struggling in your current position or with certain responsibilities think about ways you can change your role. Is it possible to speak with your supervisor to adjust your tasks? Is there a new role that would better use your strengths? Think about your responsibilities as a whole and how aligned they are with your talents.
I’ve set up one-on-one meetings with my supervisor and outlined my current duties and where we could adjust. I came with solutions as well as other responsibilities that interested me and relied on my strengths. It was helpful for us to sit together with an open mind and a bigger picture of my job functions.
As you think about your strengths, non-talents, and weaknesses; look at these six areas to see what can be improved upon. We have the chance to help our non-talents from turning into weaknesses by relying more heavily on our strengths, finding partnerships, being more transparent and identifying and adjusting our current responsibilities.
What have you done to manage around your non-talents?
- Cultivating Relationships - July 20, 2021
- Empowering Our People - July 13, 2021
- Finding Purpose - July 6, 2021
To manage around my non talents first of all I acknowledge them so I know for the future then try to get help from someone that has more experience with it or can teach me. Like you said, it is really important to find someone that has different talents who can fill in the gaps we are missing. I usually try to focus the most on what I enjoy doing or what I know I can do.
http://mihabalan.com/category/blogtipsadvice/self-improvement/
I completely agree and it’s so important to surround yourself with people who have different experiences and ways of doing things.
Couldn’t agree more! I know sometimes arguments happen when you try and hold things in instead of just letting the conversation happen. I’m learning to be more transparent for sure
I completely agree Crystal! The more transparent we are the more people are willing to help and know that you’re an honest member of the team. I’m also working on it.. It’s not easy for sure
I LOVED reading this article, the one that spoke to me for sure was having a support system… very important!
Thank you so much for your support, Rox! I completely believe when you have support you can accomplish to much more.
Wow I didn’t know some of these things! Thank you so much for sharing
Of course and thank you so much for your support Morgan!
Great information! Thanks for sharing!
Great info thanks for sharing!
This is such a great read! Learned a lot!
What a great article! Perfect inspiration for Monday today. Turning your weaknesses into strengths by either getting better at them or delegating the work is such smart business!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Yes! I love this, especially about the transparency and open communication 🙂
Thanks, Linnie. I think being transparent about something we aren’t good is hard. We naturally don’t want to admit it but when we do- people are really willing to help and you know exactly what type of help you need.
This is so perfect! These steps are so important in learning how to do something and/or getting it accomplished. Sometimes all you have to do is ask! Putting aside your pride is always important.
Yes, Sarah! So many people are willing to help and once we admit it and take the step to ask- our lives can change so much for the better.
This came to me at the perfect time this Monday morning, Alissa! 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed and it I hope you have a very happy Monday, Rebecca
Leveraging strengths is so important! I feel like we get stuck focusing on where we feel like we’re failing too often.
I completely agree Stacia! Once we know our strengths- taking advantage of that and using them to mitigate weaknesses makes a huge and important impact on our lives.
This was a great article. It certainly gave me lots to think about. Things I need to change and keep doing. Thank you.
Thank you for the compliments and I’m so glad it was helpful. Have a great day!
I’m so glad I read this!!! Valuable info right here,so spot on!
Thanks so much Brittney! I am so glad you liked it!
Fantastic article! For me, a good souport system is so key!
Me too, Alocia!
loved reading this article!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it!
I love what you said about leveraging others talents! Most of the time people love doing what they are talented out and would love to help! Great post!
I completely agree and it’s so helpful to other people as well! Thanks for reading Madeline!
This was such a great read. For me having a great support system is key.
Me too Jennifer! Thanks so much for reading
Great blog. Very well written.
Thank you so much Sherry!
Learning to adjust and change is so important. Great post!
I couldn’t agree more Liz and thank you!
Such great tips!
Thanks, Amy!
Having “accountabilibuddies” are the best! I feel like I do so much better when someone holds me accountable. Great read!
Me too! They motivate me and have my best interest in mind. Thanks for reading, Melissa!
This is such an interesting article! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for reading Serena!
Loved this post! I love your blog in general. It’s very motivating and inspiring. We are around the same niche of personal growth and I love that!
Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Hope you have a lovely day beautiful!
That really means a lot Janette and I love your blog as well. Send me an email anytime if you ever want to collobarate! Happy Monday!
great article! thank you for sharing!
This is an awesome blog post, Alissa! Great content and really sound advice! Keep it up!
Thank you so much Emily! I really appreciate it. Have a great day!
Clever…you are always giving out great reminders and new info.
Thanks so much Alisha! Have a great day.
Oh man the “we aren’t good at everything” speaks to me. I am a wears many hats kind of girl and I have problems giving up on doing everything myself.
Me too Katie!! It took me what felt like forever to realize that I can’t do everything and it felt like such a relieve to give myself permission to do something else.
Yes! Some great tips here, look forward to trying to implement them soon!
Thank you so much and keep us posted on how it goes!
Great advice! Like you say, no use pretending you’re good at something when you’re not and better to actually figure out how to navigate around the things you struggle with. Awesome article!
Thank you so much Olivia! It really saves everyone time once we admit we are not good at everything and need some help!
Love this! What a wonderful guide! Thank you.
Thank you for reading, Jess!
Holy moley, this is something I really need!
I hope it was helpful Corrine!
You always give the best tips and advise on things! This was very helpful. Thanks!
You’re so sweet Lynette, thank you!