As I watched the news this morning, I realized that if people were more aware of their weaknesses, they'd be able to avoid some of the big problems that exist in society. To know your weaknesses is a good way to avoid a lot of calamity in your life. Similarly, when you notice harmful weaknesses in others, if possible, it's good to coach those people in ways that help them to overcome those weaknesses in positive ways.
Where do we get our weaknesses, and how can we understand those weaknesses well?
I remember coming to grips with a weakness I had as an educator. It took me longer than it should have to recognize this weakness and work ahead of it. Now, years later, I understand that weakness more. Looking back, it would have been awesome if I had a mentor or coach who helped me overcome that weakness early in my career, but over time via a number of tough life experiences, I was able to get a pretty good handle on it.
With regard to another weakness, I did have an administrator who was able to coach me directly on how to change my ways. Rather than dance around the issue, the principal at the time was kind and direct--she basically pointed out the problem and told me how to solve it. That was that. I learned a valuable lesson which improved my teaching from that day on. That was good leadership and mentoring.
Pointing out weaknesses in those you mentor, coach, or lead in any way is a sensitive situation--you want to do it with love and humility because a weakness in one area may be a strength in another. Rather than simply pointing out the situation, it's good to add the rationale of why it's an issue and what a person might do instead. In any training program, it's good to anticipate the issues professionals may face. I remember a great education professor I had in graduate school that did that--he pointed out common issues that educators face and have problems with. In many ways, his cautionary tales and stories set me up for greater success as a teacher. I've never forgotten his lessons.
The more we understand our strengths and weaknesses, the better we are able to navigate life in positive ways. This is one more way we can live our best lives. Onward.