Why Being Well Rounded Is Wrong

Why being well

You may have thought as a leader it is best to be “well-rounded.” Professional development plans typically focus on “identifying and overcoming weaknesses.”

But they’re dead wrong.

The real performance advantage comes from focusing on your key strengths and aligning your work with what you do well. When you focus on what you do well you have all your efforts pulling in the same direction and everything feels easier. When you identify and seek out the opportunities that draw on your natural key strengths, you’ll perform better, have more energy and create deeper fulfilment.

Here are real-life examples to illustrate:

In Alignment with Strengths

When I am working live, in person with clients, I am in alignment with what I love to do most. I might be leading them to a new way of thinking about the importance of executive presence or their personal brand and how to effectively apply what they learn. Whether it is an individual or a group session, actively engaging to help leaders be more of who they are fuels me.

Out of Alignment with Strengths

A client tells me she feels drained and exhausted. “My days are filled with conflict and putting out fires.” The issue is that her preferred style is to avoid conflict. Dealing with it consistently and over a long period of time will absolutely drain her energy. She is working against what comes naturally which requires more effort and energy.

If your position requires you to spend the majority of your time outside of what comes naturally, it is time to re-evaluate because it is NOT where you want to be.

Wondering why you should make the effort in aligning the work you do with your natural talents?

Here’s the answer – it simply makes your life easier and more fun! There is more enjoyment in what you do. You more easily recognize the right opportunities. You clearly know what to focus on. You are more engaged in your work. You become known for what you are good at. These all become easier because you are clear about what you are uniquely born to do.

Here’s what some of my clients have said after aligning their work with their strengths:

“I am grinning from ear to ear and can’t believe how lucky I am to be doing what I love.”

“I no longer dread what I do and now actually look forward to going into work.” 

“It has helped me to quickly identify the right opportunities when they are presented.” 

“I am just happier.”

For the next few days, be aware of those activities that feel incredibly easy to you. And banish those dismissive thoughts that say, “that’s no big deal, anybody can do that.” Not true! Others might struggle with leading a meeting, arranging a beautiful space, writing a report or inspiring a team. It is easy for you because it is your natural talent.

What’s one activity that comes so easily to you that you could do it all day long?

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Are you interested in having a conversation to explore how you can define your personal brand and accelerate your growth as a leader, individually or as a team? Send an e-mail to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

Dorothy Lazovik

Dorothy is on a mission to shift the culture of organizations to people first! Supporting leaders in fulfilling their TO BE LIST to better deliver on their TO DO LIST. Doing the work impacts how leaders see themselves, the people they lead, the environment they create and the outcomes they achieve. Producing higher engagement, ownership and productivity. How would making a change like this elevate your business results?

Authentic Leaders Edge

Next Step

Ready to implement a model that elevates your leaders and has them taking ownership of who they are and the results they achieve? Interested in creating the environment that puts people first to increase engagement, build trust and improve how business gets done?

Let’s start a conversation. It will give you the opportunity to get your questions answered and understand if it is a good fit for you, your leaders or organization.