06/04/2026
I almost built a career around being quiet.
In college, my strengths revolved around solitary activities. I am an introvert, and staying in the background was comfortable. If my professors had told me to lean into that, I'd probably be in a back office somewhere, doing work no one ever sees.
Instead, one professor told me it didn't matter what I was good at. He said there were two classes every successful person needed: speech and grammar. I almost quit on the spot.
I took those courses anyway, and I was amazed at the transformation they created in me. Now I enjoy speaking to large crowds for a living, and I have written five books and numerous articles. Taking this advice to overcome my weaknesses rather than building on my strengths actually unleashed unknown potential.
This is why Solution Focused practice doesn't chase strengths. Instead, it helps clients imagine a life where things are working, then gets curious about what they did to get there. This often involves clients overcoming their weaknesses.
What’s “working” and what someone is "good at" are not the same thing. Successful people aren't usually building on their strengths. They're overcoming their weaknesses.
That one distinction changes everything about how you ask questions.
