In order to do so, we must first appreciate our uniqueness. You have value to add. We all need you to add it. The best way to do so is to offer what you are great at and allow everyone else the opportunity to do the same.
A single ingredient does not a meal make. When we add unique ingredients, recipes come together. In today’s world, there is so much pressure to become generalists. Entrepreneurs and small business owners feel that pressure more than anyone. You need to be an expert at everything from product design, to customer management to digital marketing. You probably suck at most of it, but you have no choice.
Or do you?
Something amazing happens when we do what that at which we excel. Our efficiency goes up. We get more done. We create value. Doing everything does the opposite. It diminishes. It dilutes. It conforms to the lowest common denominator.
Making the leap to embrace our strengths forces a shift in my thinking. It helps me realise what I am doing is bigger than just me. Selling my vision to someone else whose strengths will complement my own is more than just a smart move. It’s a declaration that the work I do matters and deserves the best people to make it so.
The first step to playing to your strengths is not to let go of your weaknesses. It’s to grow in the belief that the value you add deserves the attention, time and effort of people better at this than you.
