This is a story from early in my career that completely changed how I think about strengths, work ethic, and what it means to be a great teammate.

I’m not against strengths-based leadership. I’ve taken StrengthsFinder multiple times, sat through the trainings, and I believe there’s real value in understanding how you’re wired.

But I also saw it used in a way that stuck with me for years…

A teammate would regularly say, “That’s not in my strengths,” and pass work off to others. And while it sounded thoughtful and self-aware on the surface, it slowly created a culture where responsibility got shifted instead of owned.

That experience gave me a bit of a bad taste toward personality tests for a long time.

Here’s what I’ve come to believe since then:

There’s a difference between knowing your strengths… and using them as a shield.

Especially early in your career, there’s real value in saying yes, figuring things out, and becoming someone people can rely on no matter the task.

Later on, sure… you can specialize, delegate, and focus your time where you’re most effective.

But in the beginning?
You build your reputation by doing the work.

Curious your take:
Have you ever worked with someone who leaned too hard on “that’s not my strength”?
Or have you seen strengths used really well on a team?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

#Leadership #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #StrengthsFinder #WorkEthic #ServantLeadership