Accurate Self-Assessment
An inner awareness of your strengths and limitations
People with this competence
Are reflective and learn from experience;
Know their capabilities; know what they can do and what they can’t do;
Are open to candid feedback, new perspectives, continuous learning and self-development;
Ask for help from others who might have more experience, knowledge or ability;
Have the ability to identify and target areas for improvement and change; and
Demonstrate a desire to learn and grow.
People lacking this competence
Tend to want to appear “right” in front of others;
Fail to ask for help;
Compete with others instead of cooperating;
Exaggerate their own value and contribution;
Set unrealistic, overly ambitious and unattainable goals for themselves and others;
Push themselves hard, often at the expense of other parts of their lives;
Push others hard;
Tend to micromanage and take over instead of delegating (“if you want it done right. . . “);
Take credit for others’ efforts;
Blame others for mistakes, even if they made them;
Cannot admit mistakes or personal weaknesses; and
Can’t accept feedback or criticism.
Development tips
Request feedback from time to time and accept it without becoming defensive;
Create a culture where it is safe for people to provide feedback;
Be open to gaining new insights and learning new things;
Take an assessment instrument such as a communication style profile, Myers-Briggs, or a 360 multi-rater assessment to learn more about your strengths and vulnerabilities;
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses;
Ask others for their insights on your strengths and weaknesses (or ask an executive coach to interview the people around you);; compare your list with others’ lists;
Maintain an openness and commitment to ongoing learning, growth and improvement;
Allow others to try new things, and create a safe environment for moderate risk-taking and failure; and
Be realistic in taking on new projects, setting new goals and objectives.
Great Resources:
Books: Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath; and
Now Discover Your Strengths , by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton.
Website:
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