HOW THE ADJECTIVE THAT LEAST DESCRIBES YOU STILL IMPACTS YOUR WORK

Hi my friend,

Last week, while reading a graphic novel, I came across this question:

What's the adjective that least describes you? 

In the book, the mother answers her daughter: “unburdened”. 

It's a tough moment, and it caused me pause.

What's the adjective that least describes me?

I ran through a whole list of adjectives until I settled on one:

Patient.

I feel I've never had an ounce of patience in my life.

Now, I really encourage you to check for yourself too.

Because it does have to do with how you show up –

in life and at work – as much as its counterpart, your top strength(s).

Here's why:

1. Be realistic about what you can do

If something is totally outside of your wheelhouse, you won't become great at it no matter how much you try. You can get better at it, of course, if you really want to. But it'll cost a lot more effort than improving other things. To stick with my example: I have to ask myself if striving for greater patience is worth the effort or not.

2. Stop beating yourself up for it

If I decide that it's not worth your time, you'll have to learn to be okay with it. It won't do if you continue to shame yourself for it because you consider it a “weakness”. Most likely, it's just the flip side of one of your greatest strengths. In my case, I am quick to make decisions and take action. That's what I remind myself when not being patient turns into an issue.

3. Put guardrails in place

Having the self-awareness to identify something you do not bring to the table at all allows you to hedge against its downsides. Again going with patience, as I know I tend to act fast, I deliberately push out important things on my to-do list by a day or more to give myself time to sit with it, gather more data, or talk to someone else. 

4. Excel at your strengths

That said, I encourage you to make sure people know you for your strengths and not your (supposed) flaws. You can mention what you excel at or enjoy doing in casual conversations, volunteer for things that are smack in your wheelhouse, and get rid of as many tasks as possible (I know that's tricky!) that are not good use of your time. 

I'm curious:

What's the adjective that least describes you?

And which conclusions can you draw from knowing that

for how you show up at work and as a leader?

I hope you found this newsletter helpful,  and I'd love to hear for you!

Please comment or send me a message.

 Love, Micha