Thanks Dave for writing such a great article. I will now look at my "doer" habits that I considered weaknesses a bit differently, because after reading your article I realize that they have been my key to success in my career.
@ http://doriannsworld.wordpress.com/
Everyone, thanks for your comments. To the issue of perfectionism in conversations, there's probably an underlying desire to get things right--to make sure the flow of information is accurate. That's a strength. Hold onto that. But let go of the need to be right--that's not a disability, it's a pattern of behavior that tends to make one not listen.
As for Steve Jobs, I may have assumed too much knowledge of his disabilities. They include: stubbornness, lack of interest in others not as smart as him, arrogance, perfectionism that bordered on obsessive, and probably a slight case of narcissism (or not so slight case).
"The truth is that self-reinvention, when done properly, is embracing your innermost self. Only partial or flawed reinvention is changing what you don't like" - This sentence really rang a bell..I always thought that was it okay to re-invent or is will I look superficial..now I know..
Some things labeled as "disabilities" are true impairments, but many are more like a diagnosis of left-handedness: Left-handedness is not the standard, and it may make a "standard" life more difficult in some ways -- but a non-standard one easier. Find the non-standard life that makes that problem into an asset. In particular, leading is one of the most valuable non-standard roles.
The link to this article was 'How Steve Jobs turned his weaknesses into strengths' on CBS Moneywatch email I received. His name was mentioned three times in this article and not once were his 'weaknesses' discussed. CBS, if you're going to throw Jobs' name into an article to get more views, at least make the person's name/story relevant to the point of the article. It's been a real disappointment in the quality of writing on this site since B-net was bought by CBS.
I read about how Jobs would make people believe they could do what they themselves had thought impossible. The author actually briefly cited a belief system used by each of his 3 examples, that others may have believed to be a weakness. That's what I read, but few folks ever agree with me :-)
Great article and so very true! My radio morning show partner and I joked that what we got into trouble for in school (talking too much) had earned us each a very nice living.
Well said .A nice self introspection indeed .For me, as an Engineering Consultant -the Indian large units look down on me . Indian SMEs, who are already in a state of insecurity after the so-called liberalizations, are afraid of me thinking that I will absorb easily whatever I look into .I do innovate .But ,I am not having surplus to invest .I need an understanding /cooperative Investing partner now . Pl visit my website www.dfmablog.com
Great persepctive. The best way for us to have compassion for others it to have compassion for ourselves. Accepeting and embracing exactly who we are brings much to our work, our relationships and our community - and all are better for it. In an age where everything seems to be about judgement, having the courage to be just who you are is the right adventure.
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@ http://doriannsworld.wordpress.com/
As for Steve Jobs, I may have assumed too much knowledge of his disabilities. They include: stubbornness, lack of interest in others not as smart as him, arrogance, perfectionism that bordered on obsessive, and probably a slight case of narcissism (or not so slight case).
Thanks for your comments, everyone!
Terrific article. Enjoyed talking with you last year at the Air Force Academy. I always appreciate your perspective!
Warmly, Mary
Some things labeled as "disabilities" are true impairments, but many are more like a diagnosis of left-handedness: Left-handedness is not the standard, and it may make a "standard" life more difficult in some ways -- but a non-standard one easier. Find the non-standard life that makes that problem into an asset. In particular, leading is one of the most valuable non-standard roles.
Pl visit my website www.dfmablog.com