Ever meet someone who goes to bat for their weaknesses and guards them as if dropping them would mean giving up part of who they are?
“I’m not a detail person.” Translation: Mistakes are the price to pay for me being so productive.
“I call it like it is.” Translation: If you get offended, that’s a you problem.
We all do this in different ways.
Direct Eagles say they move too fast to slow down.
Parrots say they speak freely and listening may take a hit.
Doves say they avoid conflict because they care about relationships.
Owls say they need more time because they want to get it right.
There’s truth in all of it. That’s what makes it so convincing.
The problem isn’t knowing your tendencies. That part is powerful. The problem is when awareness turns into permission. When “This is how I’m wired” becomes “This is who I am. Deal with it.”
Richard Bach captured this perfectly: “Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours.” Every time we justify a weakness instead of working on it, we reinforce it. We make it part of our identity instead of something we can manage.
Defend your weaknesses and they stick around. Work on them and their grip loosens.
They may not disappear, but they diminish over time.
About the Author:
Merrick Rosenberg is a keynote speaker, author, and founder of Take Flight Learning. He is the author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You and The Chameleon, and the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality styles. Merrick helps people align their careers, relationships, and leadership with who they actually are, not whom they think they should be. Through his work, millions have learned how to understand themselves and others to build stronger teams, healthier relationships, and more grounded lives. When he’s not working, he’s either flying, teaching, or trying to get into the crow pose at yoga. Learn more at MerrickRosenberg.com and TakeFlightLearning.com.
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