There is no such thing as a leader without a weakness. There has been much written about the need to focus on one’s strengths rather than one’s weaknesses. But it is important to note the differences between weaknesses. There are common weaknesses that any leader has. But there are also fatal flaws. John Zenger, Joseph Folkman, Robert Sherwin, Jr. and Barbara Steel point out in How to Be Exceptional. They point out that “fatal flaws appear to pull down the effectiveness of a leader.”
These fatal flaws, the authors contend, center around a behavior or trait that have a huge negative impact on the effectiveness of a leader. How do you know if you have a fatal flaw that needs working on? The authors suggest that whatever the first thing a people think about when a person’s name is mentioned serves as a filter through which everything else about that person is “filtered.” Sometimes, if that filter is negative, nothing positive can be seen.
How can one overcome fatal flaws? First of all, one has to recognize that he/she has them. When that awareness happens, the next thing to do is to address the flaws with those with whom one leads. The authors suggest that if they are addressed, they can be transformed from flaws into something positive. There are six steps involved in the process of transformation.
These fatal flaws, the authors contend, center around a behavior or trait that have a huge negative impact on the effectiveness of a leader. How do you know if you have a fatal flaw that needs working on? The authors suggest that whatever the first thing a people think about when a person’s name is mentioned serves as a filter through which everything else about that person is “filtered.” Sometimes, if that filter is negative, nothing positive can be seen.
How can one overcome fatal flaws? First of all, one has to recognize that he/she has them. When that awareness happens, the next thing to do is to address the flaws with those with whom one leads. The authors suggest that if they are addressed, they can be transformed from flaws into something positive. There are six steps involved in the process of transformation.
- Acceptance- the first step to change is always moving from denial to acceptance. In this case, if one accepts that people perceive him/her through the negative filter of a trait or behavior, then the path toward changing that has begun.
- Understand the behavior- what triggers the triggers the behavior? If one understands this, then one can avoid the triggers.
- Create and make measurable a plan for action- this is a concrete, specific plan on how to change.
- Apologize and ask for forgiveness- when the behavior or trait has hurt people, make sure you seek forgiveness.
- Enlist the help of others- we all need one another, especially when we begin to seek improvement.
- Reward progress- anytime you seek to change and grow, it’s important to pause and recognize improvement.
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