Following is quoted from my article Key Success Factors which described the key success factors behind a record that I created in a SEI Level 5 software company that I worked with – that of delivering all software projects on time to the utmost delight of the overseas customers. Using individual’s strengths in the team was one of the key success factors.
“In a team, it is important that one member’s weakness is covered by someone else’s individual strengths in such a way that each one contributes through his strengths and the team as an entity is solid. A good team is one where everyone puts in his or her strength and covers others’ weaknesses – without any ego problems, without taking pride and without belittling others.
I am sure you will ask, “With this approach, you can never help people overcome their weaknesses”. On the contrary, a good manager uses the strengths of his team-mates while slowly working on their weaknesses – so that the weaknesses are overcome without making the team-mate too conscious of his or her deficiencies. A person normally does a good job when working on the job which he loves to do. Success is a big motivator and the motivation of a job well done gives him the energy to do the other jobs which he does not like to do, and thus helps him to overcome his shortcomings too in the course of time. A motivated person can certainly work over his weaknesses better than a person, who cannot even use his strengths, can. I believe that it is the manager’s job to see that the individual’s strength is used and he feels motivated.
I have seen some people who mainly look at the weaknesses and keep pointing out errors and personal deficiencies. Nagging a person for his weaknesses makes him very conscious of himself and he cannot even use his strength. Only a very strong person, who is truly self-motivated and strongly believes in himself, can continue to perform consistently in spite of continuous nagging by his superior. “
September 3, 2009 at 9:22 pm
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September 24, 2009 at 2:25 pm
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September 24, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Hey good stuff…keep up the good work!
I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,)
A definite great read..Tony Brown
September 30, 2009 at 4:34 am
There is obviously a lot to know about this. There are some good points here.
September 30, 2009 at 1:13 pm
There’s good info here. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog. Keep up the good work mate!
June 16, 2010 at 7:56 pm
As an executive coach, I find too many managers focus on improving employees weaknessnesses. It causes burnout and frustration. Managers really need to learn to manage around deficencies and leverage strengths. YES to forming a team with different strengths and leveraging those. Thank you!
July 18, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Thanks for your comments, Susan. I feel honored to get a positive feedback from an experienced coach like you. I visited your website and am impressed with the type of work you are doing.
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