A lot of weaknesses in your professional life can be turned into advantages.
The crucial element is knowing how to frame your perceived “weak” qualities to contacts and potential employers.
Here are five common disadvantages that it’s possible for you to reframe and use to your advantage.
Nobody wants to make themselves obsolete.
Talented or accomplished individuals at your company will be wary of sharing information with their peers.
They might be more open to sharing it with an intern or student.
Since you’re in this jot down of position, people will think you lack experience.
As you build relationships with these experts, present yourself as nothing more than a curious learner.
Don’t be too aggressive.
You’re not entitled to these people’s best ideas, or their jobs and work.
Be patient and stay passionate, energetic, and consistent.
Send them useful or entertaining links.
In a way, you might think of yourself as a curator for other people.
You are less busy than they are, so your time is better spent looking and searching.
I asked a lot, but I tried to give in return.
It might be a bit forward, but if you’re comfortable with it then give it a try.
Remember, you’re able to bring a unique perspective to the table.
So don’t even try.
You might feel like you’ve plateaued in your career.
Alternatively, you might just besuffering from analysis paralysis.
Then, take a deep breath, and explore it.
Identify your greatest fears.
I mean really get high def in the absolute specific worst-case scenarios.
Then the second column is…anything I could do to prevent those specific items.
You find once you do that that the worst-case scenarios are very seldom as bad as you have envisioned.
You might find your fear much easier to conquer once the mystery is clear.
Alternatively, you might find a less drastic opportunity that is less drastically outside your comfort zone.
Exploring your fear allows you to keep your eyes peeled.
Of course, this assumes that there are other things that are more important at which you are competent.
Yet Andreessen’s final caveat is really important.
If you’re even considering strategic incompetence,verify that you’re extremely competent and useful at other things.
Otherwise, without that redeeming value, you’ll just be plain ol' incompetent.
Illustration by Tina Mailhot-Roberge.
Photos bySamuel Mann,mark sebastian,COD Newsroom,Jim Pennucci, andMarcelo Braga.
