A few months back I received an article from our CEO, Greg Wasson, titled something like “The Ten Biggest Mistakes Managers Make”. As I wondered if I were the only one that Greg had sent it to, I began to read it.
Reading through the various bad behaviors that are the most common, I couldn’t help of thinking to myself,”Hmmm..that’s really nails so-and-so. Yep, that other person I know does this one ALL the time. And this one fits this other one like a glove.” I was feeling quite smug as I continued down the list when I noticed some scribbled comments in the margin: “When you read this, don’t think of others. Think about yourself. – Greg”.
I almost feel out of my chair laughing! I was nailed! Greg had hit it on the head about how easy it is to see bad behaviors in others but not see the same bad behaviors in ourselves. I remember reading somewhere that a common problem amongst successful people is to believe: I am successful and I behave this way. Therefore, I am successful because I behave this way. Oh, how we can fool ourselves.
Being brought back to reality, I re-examined the list through a new set of eyes and reflected back on how I really am. Quite honestly, I had to plead guilty to most. I do fall short of who I hope to be. But I want to work on it and need to work on it. I know I need the help of those around me to tell when I am faltering. I hope I can let them know that.
Maturity has been described as “the ability to control one’s bad impulses”. Wise words. And my own observations conclude that one’s strengths will not guarantee success but one’s weaknesses can cause failure.
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