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Often in our jobs we are focused on our weaknesses – identifying what they are and trying various ways of overcoming them. Performance reviews reinforce this view because they often focus on a worker’s weaknesses and what they should be doing to work on them.

But research is now showing that this may be putting the emphasis in the wrong place. Rather than focusing on our weaknesses, we should be focusing on our strengths and how we can use them to our best advantage. We waste valuable time and effort focusing on areas where we really aren’t very good, while allowing areas where we excel to remain untouched.

In fact, some experts believe that focusing on our weaknesses is simply a recipe for failure, that the only way we can achieve success is to work with our strengths.

The research has shown that we can be more effective by playing to our strengths rather than our weaknesses. Those who focus on their strengths:

1. Are happier. They report having more energy, experiencing less depression, and just generally have a better attitude toward life.

2. Are not as stressed. They are more positive and more open and engaged with others. Better able to develop a well disciplined lifestyle.

3. Are healthier. People who focus on their strengths tend to lead healthier lifestyles, getting more exercise and having a better diet.

4. Feel more fulfilled. They are more content with their lives, and this shows in their performance.

5. Are more confident. They have higher self-esteem and are more sure of themselves.

6. Experience greater professional growth and development. By leaning toward their strengths, they develop their capabilities more easily and more readily. They have more enthusiasm toward personal development as well.

7. Are more creative and engaged with their work. They have much, much better morale.
Focusing on employee’s strengths helps managers with their jobs as well. Their team members perform better and generally do better. They have lower employee turnover, greater productivity, higher profits, and happier customers.

The research overall is fairly convincing that those who focus on their strengths do better and are more satisfied with their work experience.

If you are looking for work, send your resume to a recruiter at Winston Resources, one of the top staffing agencies in the city. We can help you get connected with some of New York City’s best employers. Contact us today.


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