Turning Weaknesses Into Strengths

Last Monday, I had one of the most important business dinners I've ever had. Things were going well until, half way through it, one of the guests asked, "So, what does the young entrepreneur have to say?" All the heads at the table quickly turned to me and multiple side conversations turned into complete silence.

Taken aback, my mind froze like a deer in headlights, not even letting me scan through possible things I could say. I looked down at the table and started to smile trying to buy time or sympathy...No such luck. The situation had not changed.

After a few moments, I saw somebody's mouth open (presumably to change the subject), and thought to myself, "Finally!". However, to my dismay, that someone added, "Oh..and it'd better be funny."

Once again I tried to think of something, but nothing came. This time I was able to visualize myself saying something funny and everyone laughing, but the words didn't come along with the image. Damn!

Next, someone trying to help commented, "Ok. What are some things you've learned then?" That's an easy one, I thought to myself, but still nothing came and there was silence until somebody finally changed the subject.

On my one-hour subway ride home, I involuntarily kept playing the situation back in my mind, undoubtedly making it bigger than it actually was. After talking with people about it and them saying I had blown things up too much, I felt better about it, but still not at peace.

That is until I got to the top of page 62 of Gandhi's autobiography where he says, "I must say that, beyond occassionally exposing me to laughter, my constitutional shyness has been no disadvantage whatever. In fact I can see that, on the contrary, it has been all to my advantage. My hesitancy in speech, which was once an annoyance, is now a pleasure. Its greastest benefit has been that it has taught me the economy of words."

This reminded me of the importance of learning to accept and be who you are and turning perceived weaknesses into strengths. I'm now at peace and know what to say should this situation happen again, "Well, Norm, nothing comes to mind. I prefer not to say things unless it's meaningful or important."