Wabi Sabi

Wabi sabi is Japanese for “beautiful flaw.”

What?

Who likes to admit their shortcomings?

Lots of people, if they’re humble, or self-deprecating or otherwise not so good at promoting their strengths. What if you take the perspective that there’s something beautiful about that mark… that it makes you human?

Your beautiful flaw.

One thing is for sure, you should expect to get a question like this in a job interview, but probably phrased like “What is your greatest weakness?” Or your performance review.

You might as well own it and improve on it. It’s never too late to start.

Me? Sometimes I lose my focus. I suffer fools gladly. There might be more.

You know, it’s all right not to be able to do everything. It doesn’t make you weak, and it doesn’t make you an imposter.

We all have areas of our professional and personal lives that could use at least some development. But what is relevant to the conversation? What’s all right to share, versus what you should keep out of the discussion?

And remember, the people around you have flaws too, and THEIR list may very well include things that are among your strengths. These are great building blocks for collaborations and building relationships.

What can you work on and improve upon?