We live in a world that demands consistent peak performance. Regardless of our industry, our customers and employees expect us to deliver. Successful leaders cannot survive in the land of status quo or simply “coasting.” As the leader of our organization, we know all too well that only continuous improvement will lead us to sustainable success.
So how do we continually improve and pursue peak performance? Historically, the answer has been to identify our weaknesses and strive to improve them. Focus on becoming better at the things that don’t come naturally to us. We have been told, “You become great by turning your weaknesses into strengths.” After all, isn’t becoming well-rounded the best strategy for peak performance? It sounds so logical.
But what if what we have always thought is wrong? What if being well-rounded is overrated? Perhaps focusing on our so-called weaknesses undermines our ability to maximize our leadership potential. What if investing the time and energy in improving deficiencies does not give us the greatest return? And, more importantly, what if there’s a better path for improvement? One that creates better results while leaving us feeling more fulfilled in our work.
More and more research says that focusing on your innate talents delivers better outcomes than trying to convert weaknesses into strengths. When we become “good” at everything, we become just that — good. But being extraordinary happens when we live in our strengths and embrace those talents that make you uniquely YOU. Working with hundreds of people in various settings over the past 30 years, here is my greatest discovery: Within all of us, there is a personal genius — an ability to do something that sets us apart from everyone else. It’s how we have been hardwired and created to make the most significant impact on our world.
The psalmist says it best: “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” Psalms 139:13-15
As a leader, our best opportunity for improvement is identifying our unique genius and continuously refining our natural talents. With intentional focus and practice, our natural abilities become powerful strengths — what I call personal “superpowers.” Popular opinion may tell us to work on those weaknesses, but the evidence is becoming clear. Pursuing mastery in our areas of natural talent will forever be the best path to success.
The surprising truth about peak performance is to Just be YOU!
I am available if you would like to discuss how you can better maximize your natural talents and find clarity around your personal genius. I can recommend an assessment that will help you and your team become a strength-based organization.