A lot of salespeople can feel powerful when they control conversations and sell their product by pointing out all of the benefits that it provides. Counterintuitively, it is actually valuable to admit weaknesses in a product because it can build trust with a customer. This is the idea of “attunement:” the ability to bring one’s actions and outlook into harmony with other people and with the context you are in. With this idea of attunement comes increasing power by reducing it. There is a type of reverse psychology going on here. By admitting weaknesses, the seller often becomes more trusted by the buyer which can lead them to close the deal. Therefore, admitting weaknesses can actually show strength. Still, there a lot of salespeople that would like to avoid acknowledging weaknesses because it could turn away some buyers.
However, the Lord tells us that power is actually perfected in weakness as he reveals in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Ultimately, even if admitting weaknesses and being honest can lose a sale, Christ calls us to act justly anyways. Listening to his word applies not just to our personal lives, but our work lives as well. The two cannot be separated, or we are not truly giving for God’s purpose.
It is refreshing to know that we are not expected to be “powerful” or have everything figured out. God empowers us in our weaknesses and gives us the strength to move forward.
BoweryJE22