Knowing Your Short Falls

It's in our human nature to focus on our strengths - nobody really enjoys looking at what their flaws are, whether it be in their looks, their clothes or their ability in sports. But we need to understand where we are weak in order to become better, and this is never truer than in the work place. Your partner will compensate looks for a sense of humour; your friends will let you wear shoes and tracksuit bottoms if you are a great listener, and the guys in the team will let you off if you put in one-hundred percent. But in the world of work, if you don't know your weaknesses, we're likely fail.

You have to know where you lack ability, and work your hardest to overcome this. You may be the finest accountant alive, but if you are meek and quiet, no one will ever know that fact. On the other hand, be brash and no-one will want to work with you.

Those who want to become Managers, Partners and even Directors of multinationals; have to develop and nurture the perfect package - the all rounder. And a part of being the all rounder is about understanding & managing yourself emotionally, as well those whom you lead or work with, and sometimes even the boss. Indeed, we have to learn to manage the boss first.

I would recommend any student to write a list of their top 3 shortfalls - and construct a way to overcome them through learning, experience, or even shadowing someone. This way, you'll be channelling your development constructively.


Vinay Trivedi, Director, The Career Agency