Each person is gifted and skilled differently. Some people have decided to just stick to what they know and ignore their weakest areas, while others, have gone an extra mile to turn their weaknesses into strengths, and the results are worthwhile. Take an example of Stella Keza-an IT expert, being an introvert, public speaking wasn’t her cup of coffee, she gave excuses to avert taking part in presentations. Addressing more than three people was uncomfortable for her, which prevented her from partaking in some projects or opportunities that consisted of public speaking. For her, discovering her weaknesses was a starting point to finding a solution. “I remember starting to spend more time with friends and people who expressed themselves freely, checked out a few YouTube videos on public speaking, and trained myself to plan and note down my speech or presentation before time. In addition, I started networking with people. “In about three months, I had started gaining confidence and even my boss could assign me to give a shot to tasks that I wasn’t comfortable with, before,” she says. Keza notes that she also requested her supervisor to allow her to try out the sales and marketing department so that she could connect directly with clients, which he allowed, and the rest is now history. Just like Keza, most employees are struggling with weaknesses, but the best way to overcome them, is to seek help, and the willingness to learn from them. According to Gloria Mutesi, a businesswoman, there is always a colleague or workmate better than you in a certain area, which is why it is necessary to acknowledge the fact that you need their help, but also leave the comfort zone. For her, some skills may even not be necessary to your job position, but learning about them means you’re equipping yourself with more expertise that would be useful to both your current job and your future jobs, or career opportunities. Mutesi stresses that don’t shy away from saying that you don’t know something and ask someone who can help, even if it’s about knowing how to use certain computer programs, to be sincere and open. “Note down all the areas that require enhancing, and if it takes doing research or taking a course to be better, then do so, whether it’s in communications, management, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, flexibility, attention to details, and so forth,” she states. Irene Imbabazi, an entrepreneur, is of the view that finding solutions calls for exploring opportunities, for instance; mentorship, taking part in leadership development programs, attending networking programs, trainings, and others. Knowing what skill to revamp, can make work more interesting and better, on top of making you feel loyal to your job. She notes that progressing at work, allows you to have a sense of belonging. Imbabazi explains that some strengths are just not discovered yet, which is why she notes that it helps to find time and note down your aptitudes- the things that you do well. She carries on that if you can’t exhaust them all, ask your colleagues or supervisor, and focus on perfecting what you’re talented in. According to Forbes magazine, practice the skill. For instance, just like you unintentionally practice your strengths, you need to start building your weaker muscles. The true practice goes hand in hand with real time feedback so be honest with people around you (professionally and personally) about what you are working on and get real time feedback. “You can hire a coach. A good coach will keep you on track, and provide feedback and objectivity with regard to how you are progressing. It’s great to have someone in your corner who simultaneously supports you and doesn’t let you off the hook.”
