How overachievers view their own flaws defines how they engage with personal and professional growth.

<> 

For more than 21 years, when a client tells me they’re having a problem with a team member, I ask the same question… Are they coachable/self-aware?

If the answer is “yes”, we work on developing a strategy to improve their skills. If the answer is “no”, I usually wonder aloud, “How hard will they be to replace?”

Personal and professional growth is only possible when a person is willing to admit they’re flawed in some fashion. Without this recognition, improvement is unlikely and any efforts to change are a waste of time.

The truth is that we’re all flawed (you can’t be good at everything).

Luckily, finding your imperfections is easier than ever because of the proliferation of self-assessment tools. You might try the DISC (I’m a high I/D), Enneagram (3/2), Clifton Strengths (Harmony/Relator), or many others to help you identify areas for improvement.

Once you’ve figured out what makes you unique, I’d challenge you to embrace your weaknesses.

Understanding and then accepting our flaws reminds us that we’re human and part of a bigger world filled with all kinds of crazy people.

<>

—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

CJ McClanahan