In my work with business professionals and entrepreneurs, I find that the moves they make in their business always follow a path of their strengths.
Think of a chess board. Each piece has the capability to move according to its kind. So it goes with people. World-class organizations move together in concerted fashions with appreciation for each person according to their kind.
If a bishop plays with the moves of a pawn, it is limited. If a rook tries to move like a knight, it cannot. It does not have the inherent makeup, ability and allowance.
Successful people know their design fully and live into it. That has been my observation.
In my own life, I have embraced unapologetically my strength as a Creative Designer. It is why I am able to lead with clarity and speed. It is the value I bring to organizations and teams. The liberation and fulfillment I feel for what I do is because I live fully into my strengths and limit exposure to my weaknesses.
I have witnessed many people who are like the car getting 8 miles to the gallon that should be getting 25 miles per gallon. They think they are operating at what they perceive is normal. I have also seen others who get the full 25 miles out of a gallon and their passion, drive and influence are measurably more impactful in their endeavors.
Want greater success? Beware of what Peter Drucker observed,
“Most Americans do not know what their strengths are. When you ask them, they look at you with a blank stare, or they respond in terms of subject knowledge, which is the wrong answer.”
Take a next step and know your strengths intimately so you can align with your design. It’s foundational to anything you want to pursue and be successful at. Miss this point and you continue heading into a skewed direction.