OVERCOMING WEAKNESSES

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Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses provides participants the opportunity to further develop their strengths and moderate their weaknesses.

Category

  • Life Skills

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Explain how weaknesses affect the workplace.
  • Describe ways to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Supplies

  • Weakness to Strength activity sheet—make a copy for each participant
  • Analyzing my Weakness activity sheet—make a copy for each participant
  • Pen or pencil for each participant

Advisor Note

Text in italics should be read aloud to participants. As you engage your post in activities each week, please include comments, discussions, and feedback to the group relating to Character, Leadership, and Ethics. These are important attributes that make a difference in the success of youth in the workplace and in life.

Activity 1

WEAKNESS TO STRENGTH

Pass out the Weakness to Strength activity sheets to the Explorers. Tell Explorers to make a comment in each of the boxes, describing how they might turn a personal weakness into a strength.

 

When they are finished, ask: What was the hardest part of the process?

 

Use the following points to guide discussion:

  • Why is it important to first identify what your weaknesses are?
  • How can these weaknesses have a negative impact in your relationship with others?
  • What are some ways to turn the weaknesses into strengths?
  • What can you do to start applying these changes?
  • How can you become more open to constructive criticism?
  • What does it take to remain motivated and work hard since change doesn’t happen overnight?

Activity 2

ANALYZING MY WEAKNESS

Pass out the Analyzing My Weakness activity sheets to the Explorers. Have Explorers answer the three questions based on one of the weaknesses they identified with on the Weakness to Strength activity sheet. Use the responses provided to guide the reflection.

Advisor Note

Some sample questions are below. They are designed to help the participants apply what they have learned to their own interests. You are welcome to use these questions or develop your own questions that relate to your post or specific focus area.

Reflection

Focusing Questions

  • What will it take to help eliminate the weakness you identified?

Analysis Questions

  • What is the hardest thing about making this change?
  • How might you use this in your potential career?

Generalization Questions

  • How could you help other people make changes similar to the one you identified for yourself?
  • How might you use this in life or in college?
  • Why is this important?