I used to have the responsibility for interviewing and hiring employees when I was in marketing and advertising management jobs. Two questions I used to ask interviewees were: 1) What strengths would you bring to this position? 2) Tell me one of your weaknesses. Strengths Most people had no problem pointing out their strengths. After all, they were trying to get the job so they were eager to point out what they had to offer. Weaknesses The weaknesses question on the other hand caught many people off guard. They were hesitant to shine a light on their weaknesses. My guess is they were afraid if they admitted a weakness they may not get the job. What it all means Actually the opposite was usually true. Number one, we all need to recognize that no one is perfect ... we all have weaknesses. Those who own up to them are being honest. And they have the chance to overcome them and grow. Those who deny or bury them seldom grow. They remain stagnant. And there's a marketing lesson, too There's a lesson here for marketing and building your business, too. You have to uncover your weaknesses as well as your strengths if you want to be successful. Just because you don't acknowledge them doesn't mean they're not there. Learn and grow ... yourself and your business And once you acknowledge your weaknesses you can actually take steps to overcome them and grow. And isn't that what life and building a business are all about? Learning and growing? (C) Copyright 2006 Debbie LaChusa |
