I tweeted recently that if you play to your strengths, your weaknesses should pale into insignificance. Someone responded that if you build on your weaknesses they will support your strengths. So what should you do? Play to your strengths or build on your weaknesses?
By "playing to your strengths" I mean that if you've never been good with numbers, that's unlikely to change. Yes, you can (and should) work on your numeracy because it's a useful work and life skill. But if numeracy is not your strength, then it probably never will be, so you should avoid jobs where strong numeracy skills are required.
Conversely, if you're great with numbers, then numeracy is a strength and it should feature highly in the type of job or career you are seeking. You'd perhaps do well as an accountant, bookkeeper, investor or analyst.
If you're a people person who loves meeting new people, chatting with them and helping them, then people skills or interpersonal skills is one of your strengths. If you aim for a job or career that centres around interacting with people, you'll likely do very well.
Are you passionate about travel? Then something in the tourist or travel industry might suit you and your lack of numeracy skills will become less significant.
What I'm really saying is that you'll enjoy more success and probably be happier in your work if you play to your strengths. Yes, work on your weaknesses but don't let them consume you. Decide what you're really good at and then explore the type of jobs that would embrace your strengths.
When I consult with new clients I ask what they enjoy doing and what they're good at. Successful people love what they do. People who do what they enjoy doing, generally achieve more success.
No-one is great at everything but everyone is good at something.
If you're not meeting with success in your career or job search, you perhaps ought to be asking...
What are YOUR strengths?
By "playing to your strengths" I mean that if you've never been good with numbers, that's unlikely to change. Yes, you can (and should) work on your numeracy because it's a useful work and life skill. But if numeracy is not your strength, then it probably never will be, so you should avoid jobs where strong numeracy skills are required.
Conversely, if you're great with numbers, then numeracy is a strength and it should feature highly in the type of job or career you are seeking. You'd perhaps do well as an accountant, bookkeeper, investor or analyst.
If you're a people person who loves meeting new people, chatting with them and helping them, then people skills or interpersonal skills is one of your strengths. If you aim for a job or career that centres around interacting with people, you'll likely do very well.
Are you passionate about travel? Then something in the tourist or travel industry might suit you and your lack of numeracy skills will become less significant.
What I'm really saying is that you'll enjoy more success and probably be happier in your work if you play to your strengths. Yes, work on your weaknesses but don't let them consume you. Decide what you're really good at and then explore the type of jobs that would embrace your strengths.
When I consult with new clients I ask what they enjoy doing and what they're good at. Successful people love what they do. People who do what they enjoy doing, generally achieve more success.
No-one is great at everything but everyone is good at something.
If you're not meeting with success in your career or job search, you perhaps ought to be asking...
What are YOUR strengths?
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