Greatest Strength as Greatest Weakness

Working with career professionals who are engaged in career searches, I often hear that the most dreaded job interview question is: "What is your greatest strength?" followed by the inevitable "What is your greatest weakness?"

Through the coaching process, my clients become quite clear on their strengths, and can confidently answer the "greatest strength" question.  It's interesting how many realize that their greatest strength is, also, their greatest weakness.

For instance, someone who is a detail-oriented perfectionist, has strengths in her attention to detail, thoroughness, and organizational abilities. On the flipside, her attention to detail can become a weakness when she spends too much time on the details, and doesn't produce results.

Someone who, like me, is results-oriented, has strengths in her ability to produce, fast. Remember the adage, when you want something done, give it to a busy person? The downside comes in when she realizes she consistently takes on too much, for her own good. Or, when she powers through projects without attending to details or the big picture.

Someone who, like me, is able to see both sides of a situation, has strengths in her ability to provide objective feedback and a different perspective. The flipside is that she can often be wishy-washy and indecisive.

Awareness is the precursor to choice. Being aware of our strengths can lead to clarity about our weaknesses, and with this awareness, we can choose to balance our approach. 

Coaching Challenge:

Consider asking the greatest strength and greatest weakness questions of your staff, in your next one-on-one meeting, or in a performance appraisal. Greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses can coincide. Instead of focusing on the weakness, see how you can turn it around to see the strength, and harness it for greater results.