18 Jul 2024
Have you read:
Growth Strategy: Fight, Freeze or Flight
Growth Strategy: Reframing Internal Triggers
Growth Strategy: The Pareto Principle
Introduction
When I started my first role as a leader I was overwhelmed by the self-imposed pressure to excel in every skill or trend that caught my eye. Initially, I believed that I needed to excel in the areas that other leaders were experts in and wanted to be as good as them.
One day when sat in a leadership meeting and began to think about the strengths of each leader. They all had different strengths and areas of expertise, which enabled me to develop a sense of clarity and purpose as it allowed me to focus on my core strengths. An idea that I was soon to learn, helped me to believe in myself more. This was the Circle of Competence.
Good for: Recognising your strengths and focusing energy on becoming even better.
Best used by: You
This idea, popularised by Warren Buffett, emphasises the importance of understanding and sticking to areas where you have the greatest knowledge and skill. It's about recognising where your strengths lie and focusing your energy on becoming even better within those domains.
By identifying areas where I naturally excel—such as creative writing, strategic thinking, and empathetic communication—I've been able to deepen my expertise and deliver more impactful results.
This focused approach has not only enhanced my self-confidence but also allowed me to make more meaningful contributions to teams and projects.
Embracing my Circle of Competence has taught me the power of leveraging what I do best, while gradually expanding my horizons to incorporate new skills that complement and enrich my existing capabilities.
Visit reevew.co
Leveraging my strengths has been pivotal in my role as a leader in education. I have concentrated on the areas where I excel, such as strategic development, coaching/mentoring, and fostering inclusive learning environments.
For example, by focusing on my expertise in strategic development, I've been able to craft clear roadmaps that provide precise actions and deadlines, and effective monitoring.
This focus increased the efficiency and effectiveness within my team, allowing us to produce high-quality results that had a tangible impact on student outcomes.
Furthermore, my confidence in these areas has grown, encouraging me to embrace innovative approaches and take calculated risks that have ultimately benefited the organisation and schools.
Moreover, this focus on leveraging my strengths has not meant stagnation; rather, it has helped me to foster continuous improvement, while learning about the strengths of others so we can work in a complimentary way.
Pros:
Enhanced self-awareness so you gain a clearer understanding of your strengths and limitations.
Increased effectiveness allows you to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Reduced overwhelm by knowing your boundaries helps to avoid spreading yourself too thin across too many areas.
Cons:
Potential for complacency as you risk becoming too comfortable within your circle and missing out on growth opportunities.
Limiting your perspective can happen when you stay strictly within your circle, as it can sometimes limit exposure to diverse ideas and innovations.
Questions for reflection:
1. Your achievements: What are the tasks or projects that you have completed with relative ease, where others may struggle? Consider the skills and knowledge you applied successfully in these situations.
2. Seek feedback from others: How do colleagues, friends, or mentors describe your strengths or areas where they often seek your advice or assistance? Look outside your perspective to gather insights into your competencies as seen through the eyes of others.
3. Analyse your learning curve: Think about a time when you learned something new. Which skills or subjects did you pick up quickly and enjoyably compared to those that felt more challenging or less engaging? Explore not just what you're good at, but also what you're inclined to learn with enthusiasm and interest.
To conclude it's not about being the best at everything. It's about knowing your strengths and playing to them. By understanding and leveraging our unique strengths, you can achieve greater effectiveness and satisfaction in your personal and professional lives.
Ready to take your personal growth to the next level? Follow sign-up for this newsletter, and explore the previous blog posts for a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Visit the reevew.co website to learn more about how we can support your journey of self-improvement and success. Let's ignite your growth together!
Have you read:
Growth Strategy: Fight, Freeze or Flight
Growth Strategy: Reframing Internal Triggers
Growth Strategy: The Pareto Principle
Thank you for reading.
Dionne
