A Coaching Power Tool By Hang Do, Career Coach for Young Adults, FRANCE
The Area of Weakness vs. Area of Improvement Power Tool
In my role as a coach for international students in France, I have had the privilege of assisting many young adults on their journey towards professional integration. During my coaching sessions, my clients have shared similar concerns: a sense of inadequacy, a belief that they fall short in comparison to their native friends, and a conviction that their skill set and experiences are insufficient for success.
The following power tool is inspired by two common job interview questions: “What is your weakness?” and “What is your area for improvement?”. Candidates often similarly respond to these questions. However, the wording can be impactful and can change our perspective about ourselves.
The Negative Perspective: Area of Weakness
Origin/History
Cambridge Dictionary defines “weakness” as “the fact or state of not being strong or powerful”. The concept of strengths and weaknesses has been closely tied to what psychologist Carol Dweck coined as the “Fixed Mindset.” This mindset perceives attributes like intelligence, character traits, and abilities as static and unchangeable. Consequently, a “weakness” in this context becomes something one is burdened with, a perpetual flaw.
Furthermore, the negative bias in self-assessment plays a significant role in exacerbating this mindset. It is a cognitive phenomenon that tends to amplify our negative qualities and downplay our positive attributes. This bias, rooted in our psychological makeup, seemingly exists to protect us from overconfidence. However, when taken to the extreme, it can lead to debilitating self-criticism.
Public Impacted: Young Adults, Especially International Students/Young Professionals
The impact of this perspective is most profound on young adults, particularly international students and young professionals. These individuals are in a phase of self-discovery and personal development, still navigating the terrain of adulthood. They may possess a rich tapestry of educational achievements and life experiences, but they often lack exposure to the professional world, leading to a reduction in self-esteem.
For international students, the challenges are even more significant. They must contend with adapting to a foreign environment, bridging cultural differences, overcoming language barriers, and often facing financial difficulties. In an era of globalization and global citizenship, the prevalence of this demographic continues to rise.
Impacts on Individuals
The consequences of adopting a negative perspective on weaknesses can be profound. Studies by Trzesniewski et al. (2006) suggest a strong correlation between this mindset and adverse mental and physical health outcomes. It can lead to depression, and in severe cases, even suicidal ideation (Trzesniewski, 2005; McGee & William, 2000). Moreover, the detrimental effects extend beyond mental health; it can result in a loss of motivation, ambition, and disengagement when faced with setbacks or failures.
My Story
Allow me to share a personal anecdote that sheds light on my encounter with this daunting interview question. I was a stubborn individual from a young age. Perhaps it was my upbringing or the result of a unique educational background that seemed tailor-made for my strong-willed character. When I encountered this question for the first time in an interview for my initial internship, my response was unflinchingly honest—I declared that my weakness was my stubbornness. I believed this trait to be an indelible part of my personality, something immutable and firmly anchored within me.
However, as time passed, I began to understand that answering the question about weaknesses required more than just acknowledging them; it necessitated presenting solutions or addressing a hidden query: “How are you working to improve it?” This revelation marked the beginning of a transformative journey from my perspective.
Flipped Perspective: Area of Improvement
Definition
While “Weakness” is often perceived as something static and unchangeable, “Improvement”, as defined by the Cambridge dictionary, refers to “the process of making something better or of getting better”. Instead of viewing weaknesses as unalterable flaws, this perspective recognizes them as opportunities for improvement and change. It encourages individuals to embrace their weaknesses as a means of evolving into better versions of themselves.
Related Terms
Growth Mindset
The notion of a Growth Mindset, as popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, plays a pivotal role in the flipped perspective of “Area of Improvement” instead of “Area of Weakness”. According to Dweck, individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and qualities can be cultivated through dedication, learning, and resilience. In essence, they see challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than as indicators of their innate limitations. By adopting a growth mindset, individuals can approach their weaknesses as areas ripe for improvement and development.
Positive Psychology
The flipped perspective can also be related to the field of Positive Psychology. This discipline focuses on enhancing well-being and personal development rather than merely treating psychological disorders. Positive Psychology encourages individuals to emphasize their strengths, virtues, and positive experiences, fostering a more optimistic outlook on life. When applied to the context of weaknesses, Positive Psychology suggests that individuals can use their strengths to mitigate and improve upon their weaknesses, creating a more holistic approach to self-improvement.
Impact of Having a New Perspective
Embracing the flipped perspective on weaknesses can have a profound positive impact on individuals, both personally and professionally. Let’s delve into some of the key benefits of adopting this empowering outlook:
Personal Growth and Resilience
When individuals shift their perspective from seeing weaknesses as fixed limitations to opportunities for growth, they become more resilient in the face of adversity. They no longer view challenges as insurmountable obstacles but as stepping stones to personal development. This mindset shift encourages a willingness to learn, adapt, and persevere.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
The flipped perspective encourages individuals to address their weaknesses head-on. They seek out strategies and resources to improve in areas where they once felt deficient. This proactive approach fosters enhanced problem-solving skills, as individuals actively engage with their weaknesses to find practical solutions.
Increased Self-Confidence
As individuals make progress in addressing their weaknesses and witness tangible improvements, their self-confidence naturally grows. They recognize that their abilities are not fixed in stone, and this newfound confidence extends beyond the specific area of improvement to positively impact various aspects of their lives.
Improved Relationships
Adopting the flipped perspective can also lead to improved interpersonal relationships. When individuals are open about their weaknesses and actively work on them, it fosters transparency and vulnerability. This can deepen connections with others who appreciate their commitment to self-improvement and authenticity.
Professional Advancement
In a professional context, the flipped perspective can be a powerful tool. Job interviews, for example, become opportunities to showcase personal growth and a willingness to tackle challenges. Employers often value candidates who not only acknowledge their weaknesses but can also demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing them.
The Flipped Perspective of Area of Weakness vs. Area of Improvement
The exploration can be guided by these questions:
- What are the specific areas in which you feel you have weaknesses or challenges?
- How can you reframe these weaknesses as opportunities for improvement? How might they be viewed as areas where you can grow and develop?
- What strengths or skills do you already possess that can help you address these areas of improvement?
- How have you successfully overcome challenges in the past? What strategies or resources did you use?
- If you were to make progress in these areas of improvement, how close do you see yourself related to your initial goal?
In conclusion, the traditional perspective on “Weaknesses” as immutable flaws can have detrimental effects, especially on young adults and international students striving for professional integration. However, by flipping this perspective and embracing a growth mindset and positive psychology, individuals can transform their weaknesses into opportunities for personal growth and development. The impact is profound, leading to greater resilience, enhanced problem-solving skills, increased self-confidence, improved relationships, and enhanced prospects in the professional world. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this perspective, and I wish to help unlock the full potential of more people with the flipped perspective of “Area of Improvement”. It’s not about erasing weaknesses but about embracing them as stepping stones on the path to becoming the best version of oneself.