Conventional thinking:  I should not show my weaknesses.  I need to always be strong in order to gain the respect of others.  I should never show my vulnerabilities and admit to my mistakes.

Contrarian thinking:  It is OK to show that you are human and that sometimes you make mistakes.  Admitting to your mistakes shows maturity, develops trust, and opens the doors to teamwork.  In order to grow, you need to get out of your comfort zone, which means putting yourself in a state of weakness.

Showing that You are Human Builds Credibility and Respect

No one expects you to be superman or superwoman.  In fact, you will gain more credibility if you can show that you are human and that sometimes you make mistakes.  Admitting to your mistakes is one of the best things you can do to gain the trust and respect of others.

Teamwork Requires Showing Your Vulnerabilities

One of the main barriers to achieving collaboration in a team environment is lack of trust.  This lack of trust usually is the result of members of the team being afraid to show their vulnerability and being defensive about their actions and opinions.  In highly effective teams, members know each others strengths and weaknesses and complement each other.  There is no need to prove anything to anyone because each member knows what the others are capable of.

But in order to become a member of a highly effective team you need to be comfortable with showing your vulnerabilities.  If you expect others to open up to you, you must open up to them as well.

In Order to Grow You Need to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

If you are afraid of showing your weaknesses you will never take on challenges that take you beyond you comfort zone.  And if you never try to reach a level above your comfort zone you will not grow.  Hanging on to your ego will only assure that you will constantly stay in a state of mediocrity and that you will never develop your true potential.

Having a Weakness is a Strength

Successful people are not afraid of admitting to their weaknesses.  Having a weakness completes you as a person.  Weaknesses many times develop as the result of your total focus on your strength, which makes you more effective.  Suddenly having a weakness is a strength.

Don’t be afraid to show your weaknesses.  Leave you ego at the door and you will be a better person for it.

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