Acknowledge and Address Your Weaknesses if You Want to Grow

We all have our strengths, and we all like to bask in glory when they're recognised. We also have our weaknesses. Having them pointed out by other people is painful, so it's best to acknowledge them and find ways to address them yourself. It's only by tackling our weaknesses that we grow on both a personal and professional level.

Weaknesses don't show that you're weak as a person. Nobody can be good at everything, and most things can be improved with time.

The first thing you need to do is identify the areas which aren't your strongest suit. Weaknesses can be turned into strengths, but only if you know where they lie. By identifying them, you give yourself a chance to work on them and improve.

Some of us are disorganised, some lack motivation, some are too introverted - whatever shortcomings you think you have, they can all be addressed. One reason you need to consider your weaknesses is that recruiters often ask about them at the interview stage. Almost everyone struggles with the question, but having a ready answer and a solution help you stand out as a candidate.

Sharing your weaknesses with others can work in your favour. If your career-related weaknesses are out in the open, your employer can often work with you to address them. Training and self-development programmes are a valuable tool in the battle.

Simply acknowledging your shortcomings is a strength in itself. Hard as it is, if you want to grow and progress in your career, now is the time to take a long, hard look at where you're falling short.