No one is more convinced than I am that focusing on your strengths is the only way to excel. You will improve your deficit areas only so much and you will never be exceptional. If you put the same effort into improving your strengths, you become excellent.

That said, you can’t ignore your deficits or you run the risk of them overshadowing your strengths.

I conducted a training recently for managers where we identified how participants saw themselves (their strengths), as opposed to how others perceived them (deficits). Several of the participants were totally unaware of how others viewed them. It was great to hear them desire to deepen their awareness of themselves and to expand their style to strengthen their leadership position.

One gentleman was particularly struck with what he discovered. He had always prided himself as someone who acted with clarity of thought, not realizing that the additional time he required could be viewed as him being indecisive. And it never occurred to him that his calm demeanor could be taken as not appreciating the importance or urgency of the moment.

Like that manager, you view yourself from your strengths while others see you from your deficits. That may explain why others seem to gloss over your attributes and focus too much on your shortcomings. It can be frustrating, but you have to understand that you may be giving yourself too much latitude when you miss deadlines, don’t communicate or show weak follow through. It matters more than you think.

This week, pay particular attention to the feedback you get, especially feedback that you have disappointed, frustrated or confused others. Don’t just listen—act on it, as chances are good that others experience you that same way. Don’t let those things overshadow your excellence.