I have often advised people of this: work to your strengths. Build your team with those who have different and complementary skills to yours.

In a humorous incident recently I was reminded of this. “How long ago did you realize that work for me results in work for you?” I asked my husband with a smile. Twice that weekend I had sought to help by assisting with household and car chores that are not my forte. It was well intended. He does a lot to keep the house, garden, cars and tools in good working order and I wanted to contribute. Some of these are not my areas of expertise.I would start, but then, as so often happens, ran into a problem that needed his assistance and I required instruction to complete the job. He gladly helps out but often it takes him away from whatever he was doing so in the long term, it all takes longer.

I have many strengths and capabilities that he does not and I am motivated to action in ways that he is not and vice versa. That may well be one of the secrets to the longevity of our relationship. Seeking out others who differ from me has always been a successful strategy in my work. At times this creates conflict as I don’t readily understand their point of view and/or we don’t move as quickly to implementation because it takes time to agree on next steps. But the outcomes are always better than they would have been in a group think situation. If you like this, sign up to receive more free tips, tools and techniques.

When I, and others, spend most of our time on activities at which we excel, and for which we have passion and capability, we are happier, we contribute more value and our work is more engaging.

Know your strengths. Work to those strengths. Know what you are not as good at and seek others who complement your skills. Get engaged with them in brainstorming solutions, executing new initiatives or to poke holes in your plan before you go launch. Not only will you derive better outcomes, you enable others to contribute in a meaningful way and provide recognition of their capabilities.

Waste little or no time berating yourself for your shortcomings. You will be more engaged and thus more engaging and you will be pleased with the overall results.

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