Most leaders have strengths that make them distinctive. But those same characteristics, when overused, can have a downside. For example, a well-honed sense of self-control can turn into rigidity. Courage, taken to the extreme, might become recklessness. Honesty, if not tempered, can turn into cruelty. It’s worth taking some time to think about which of your skills you might be relying on too much. For example, consider one of your strengths that has served you well at work and has been admired by others. Then try to recall a situation in which you relied on that quality more than you should have. Are there occasions when your strength became a liability, causing more harm than good — and perhaps even leading to an unintended outcome? Keep in mind that we tend to overuse our strengths under stress. When we’re not getting what we want, our instinct is to double down on whatever has worked best in the past.
Adapted from "How to Become a More Well-Rounded Leader," by Tony Schwartz
