As a coach for high-achieving professionals, I’ve noticed that many of them have unique strengths that have helped them achieve success. However, with each strength, there’s also a “dark side” as identified by renowned performance coach, Rich Litvin, that can potentially hold them back. In my experience, understanding these strengths and their corresponding challenges can help individuals to address their weaknesses and reach their full potential.

For instance, the Idealist sets high standards and strives for perfection in everything they do. They often hold themselves to a higher standard than anyone else, which can be admirable. But the dark side is that they can self-sabotage by being too self-critical and hold back from taking action until everything is perfect. This can lead to missed opportunities or not reaching their full potential.

The Helper enjoys taking care of others and often puts the needs of others above their own. This can be an admirable trait, as it shows empathy and generosity. However, the ‘dark side’ is that they may struggle to accept help from others, which can become a roadblock when it comes to achieving their own goals.

The Achiever is driven and ambitious, often striving for success in all areas of their life. This can be an asset, as they are natural performers and have success ingrained in their DNA. However, the ‘dark side’ is that they may never feel satisfied with their own success, and may be waiting to experience happiness until they reach that yet-to-be-defined goal.

Lastly, the Individualist is highly creative and has a unique way of showing up in the world. They are often admired for their emotional honesty and creativity. However, the ‘dark side’ is that they can get caught up in their own feelings, making it difficult to take action and achieve their goals.

By understanding these strengths and their corresponding challenges, individuals can work to overcome their weaknesses and reach their full potential. So, take some time to reflect on your strengths and your own ‘dark side.’ With a little self-reflection and hard work, you can unlock your true potential and achieve even greater success in all areas of your life.

If you resonate with any of the strengths and their corresponding challenges I’ve outlined, and you’re looking to increase your leadership skills, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. As a coach, I specialize in helping talented leaders reach their full potential and overcome their challenges. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a call with me at https://calendly.com/extendcoach/30min