A Strong Leader Knows Their Weaknesses

A strong leader is one who knows their weaknesses.

Being strong in making decisions and taking risks are the assumptions behind today’s leadership mindset. There is something good in that idea, but at the same time, it can create serious problems for a leader. In article #9, we uncovered one of the biggest problems tied to that assumption: ego.

In this article, we’ll address another problem with that assumption: a lack of understanding about a leader’s weaknesses. Many leaders are afraid to be honest about their weaknesses and expose the areas where they are not good, using the excuse, "I might lose the team’s respect." Knowing your weaknesses and exposing them to your team does not diminish your authority. In fact, it does the opposite: it gives you more authority. Let’s look at 3 arguments that help prove the point that authority increases rather than decreases:

By exposing your weaknesses, the synergy between the team and the leader grows. Every team member knows the leader has weaknesses; not revealing them does not mean they don’t notice them through your actions and decisions. The conclusion is simple: if they are going to know anyway, trust me, there is no better way than for them to hear it from the leader himself. That brings us to the second argument.

When the leader knows his weaknesses, the team will see that he has one of the most important understandings in leadership: knowing himself. The importance of self-knowledge is essential for a leader. You know what you can and cannot give to the team and the organization. That brings us to the third argument.

With a clear understanding of his weaknesses, a leader will stop hiring a team that flatters his leadership and his achievements; he will hire a team that complements him and challenges him. No leader in the world can do everything well. He needs key players on his team who help him, and the organization, avoid foolish decisions and reach its goals.

A Christ-centered leader is someone humble enough to listen, learn, and be open. Listening to other perspectives, learning who you are, and putting yourself out there as you make difficult decisions and take risks.

Do you know your weaknesses as a leader? Do you believe you can reveal your weaknesses without losing authority?