Why is it we are so hesitant to embrace and be transparent about our limitations? Are we fearful of weakness and vulnerability, thinking they will keep us from being successful?

Recently, I went to see the just-released movie “The King’s Speech” about King George VI of England. It’s an incredibly inspiring, soul-lifting historical drama. The film stars Colin Firth as King George and Geoffrey Rush as speech therapist Lionel Logue who helps the King overcome a debilitating stammer.

In my lifetime, it’s one of only three films I’ve seen in a theatre where the audience actually applauded at the end. Not surprising, it won Best Picture at the Toronto Film Festival where the audience actually gave it a standing ovation. (Warning: film is rated R for profanity.)

After the film, I wondered, “Why are we so inspired when watching others struggle with their limitations? Why does this touch us so deeply? Why is it this King, who struggled so acutely with a speech impediment (which absolutely affected his ability to lead his people), endeared himself so much to his people and to us movie-goers?”

We wrongly think as leaders (all of us lead someone) that we need to always appear strong and not reveal our limitations or weaknesses. But, the truth is when we embrace our limitations and are transparent about our shortcomings (signs of humility), our behavior actually inspires those around us. Surprisingly, we don’t get pity; we get help.

There are other inspirational examples. Consider Abraham Lincoln. I’m currently reading a biography entitled “Lincoln’s Melancholy – How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness.” Today, Lincoln likely would be diagnosed with clinical depression, an ailment inflicted upon millions. Yet, his “weakness” – his limitation – not only fueled his greatness, it endeared him to the people who surrounded him. Why?

Our integrity stimulates a process where those around us are inspired to embrace their own weaknesses. They in turn, also receive help. The bottom-line result is it bonds people together and builds solid, stronger teams because we know we need one another.

To start the process, let me share a couple of my own limitations. First, I too often see the world in terms of black or white, good or bad, right or wrong. Accordingly, I can unknowingly slip into inflexibility and rigidity. Second, I have OCD tendencies. I don’t lock the door three times or constantly wash my hands. But, I do tend to obsessively focus on something and find it very difficult to mentally let go.

Not surprising, our weaknesses have corresponding strengths. What are mine? First, I have an absolute, unwavering commitment to truth. This helps me to be a very effective consultant. I am fearless in confronting falsehood, regardless of the consequences. My consulting clients are assured they will hear the unvarnished, candid and sometimes uncomfortable truth. (Warning: don’t hire Blackstone unless you can embrace this reality.) Second, when I’m trying to solve a client problem in a consulting engagement, I won’t let go. I’m tenacious until I find a solution.

How do I live with my limitations of seeing only black or white and obsessive tendencies? I surround myself with strong people who speak their mind and create a safe environment for them to do so. I invite and need their confrontation. I need help to see when things are not black or white (is not life mostly gray?) or when I need to let go and move on. At Blackstone, those who don’t “push back” will not last long on our team.

My close colleagues and family are well aware of my limitations. And, trust me, your close colleagues and family are well aware of yours as well.

Your limitations are an opportunity to build your own inner character of strength and humility. Your transparency about them, in the right context, invites those around you to use their strengths in your joint endeavors.

Like Abraham Lincoln and King George VI, let limitations fuel your greatness.