[October 17, 2020] Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, once said that “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” I was counter by saying that “leadership” is knowing which ones to keep. Today’s article is about common weaknesses that we find in all people.
In the study of human error, it is incumbent upon all of us to acknowledge that mistakes will be made but, more importantly, it is ultimately our response to those mistakes is what counts.
A few days ago, I wrote about 20 Common Leader Weaknesses. Several readers pointed out that I’d been somewhat remiss in overlooking other common weaknesses, most of which are classic human weaknesses. Here are another 20 common leader weaknesses:
- Going nowhere, no plan, or method to get somewhere
- Lying or slanting/shaving the truth
- Procrastinating
- Avoiding problems or difficult work
- Grandiose behavior
- Narcissism
- Undisciplined behavior
- Nihilistic thinking
- Aimlessness
- Victim mentality
- Taking a quick way out or taking shortcuts
- Pursuing impulsive pleasures
- Sacrificing the meaning for expediency
- Not taking care of responsibilities
- Fighting stupidly with relatives
- Blaming others for your problems and faults
- Bitterness at work and home
- Not thinking through tomorrow
- Drinking alcohol and illegal drug use too much
- Not regulating one’s life
This is a powerful list. It goes to the heart of being human and identifies our inclinations, desires, and wants. Overcoming these weaknesses is difficult. We will fail. But the struggle is a human one that goes back to the beginning of our time on Earth. This list will never change. It is as enduring as the world itself.
Our job is to get beyond these weaknesses and do what we can every day to make ourselves better and help others – chiefly for those who honestly want to overcome their weaknesses.
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NOTE: I recommend reading about the seven deadly sins, also known as cardinal sins. It also gives insight into what I’m discussing here today. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_deadly_sins
Another enjoyable article. I saw myself in this list and was embarrassed a bit. I guess that is the start of the life process to make myself a better leader and better person.
Right! That is – I think – the purpose of what Gen. Satterfield tells us.
A great list. I’ve had to work on these a lot.
There are many that have asked, and some below, whether we should improve ourselves before we improve upon others (with their permission, of course)? This is one of those chicken and egg problems ….. not really. Both can be worked on AT THE SAME TIME. Naturally, there will be a push, now and again, to get our own act together before we work with others …. So what. Just keep up the drive and if you do those things listed here, like getting rid of narcissism, things will inevitably get better.
Well said Yusaf. I agree that there is no real chicken and the egg problem, just plain weaknesses that we must first recognize and then strive to fix, slowly but inexorably in the right direction.
Another excellent list of leader weaknesses…. but like others here, I will say there are many many more. Our short-term plan must always be to work on them, don’t take shortcuts, and don’t let them get you down. Keep working to get better and with that goal in mind, you will get better and overcome all obstacles.
.. but first you must know where you are going before you start walking on that path. Otherwise you will just be wondering in the wilderness of chaos and disorganization. Know where you go, even if it means initially following someone you trust is going the right way.
I agree Kenny. Thank you! Even if you don’t know which path or direction, at least work on this list of weaknesses.
Just like your previous list, I found this one to be right on target. All of us should pay really really close attention to what you’ve written here. Thank goodness someone is paying attention to our weaknesses. Now, what do we do about them?
Wow, you ask the most important question after the problems are identified. Then we find solutions. So, yes, how do we make improvements in our own selves and should we do so before working with others to improve themselves?
😊
Thanks. Great point, Georgie.
Yes, and thanks. You beat me to this point. I’m with all of you on this website because I want to make myself better, to be a better leader, mother, wife, and patriot.
Thanks, George, 😊😊😊😊😊
Shouldn’t we all?