In the Radical Leap, by Steve Farber, he says, "we follow human beings, we don't follow idealized icons of unattainable perfection." Clark Kent is idolized by the author because he has super powers, but he's also vulnerable. Think of yourself as a SuperHero. Come up with a name, persona, strengths/powers, and your "kryptonite" that makes you vulnerable.
Name: People Person
Persona: A mild mannered engineering student that goes to Boise State.
Strengths/Powers: Agreeable, Compassionate, Helpful, the ability to change a persons mood dramatically.
Kryptonite: Creativity, Agressive personalities, lack of sleep, opinions lacking basis
Unlike superman my weaknesses are only things that I need more practice dealing with. At the beginning of this year I could definitely tell that I had these weaknesses, and this was because prior to this job I just avoided people who were too agressive or had uninformed opinions. I really started to notice when the year began and I was tasked with approaching these people about their attitudes. Reading the books gave me a strong basis from which I could "combat" my weaknesses, and over time I can feel myself getting better at handling these people and not being driven away from the challenge.
Ethan, I like how you refer to you weaknesses as something you just need more practice with. I think you are spot on. Every weakness can become a strength with some practice. You are having very difficult conversations with people but you are doing great and it will only get easier.
ReplyDelete>Brittney<
I agree. What an awesome way of looking at vulnerabilities like "kryptonite"! Something that will drain less power from you with more exposure and improvements.
ReplyDeleteEthan, you certainly embody all those strengths! I so appreciate your ability to introspect and your willingness to take responsibility for your actions. You bust all those stereotypes about engineers who can't be a "people person."
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