“A leader doesn’t have to have all the strength, but a leader can recognize others’ strengths.”
— RaeLynne Johnson
“There is always a way to show love to God.”
— Brian Johnson
Leadership is often misunderstood.
Many people assume that strong leaders must excel at everything: communication, decision-making, strategy, empathy, and execution.
But real leadership doesn’t come from perfection.
It comes from awareness.
To discover your strengths as a leader is to understand who you are, how you serve others best, and where your greatest impact lies.
When you recognize your strengths, you also begin to see where growth is needed—not from a place of insecurity, but from clarity.
At Cumorah Academy, this principle sits at the heart of personal development, mentorship, and leadership training.
Why We’re Better at Naming Weaknesses Than Strengths
Ask someone, “What are your weaknesses?” and the answers come quickly.
Ask instead, “What are your strengths?” and you’ll often hear hesitation, silence, or uncertainty.
This isn’t accidental.
From school systems to performance reviews, we are trained to fix what’s broken. We’re taught that improvement means correcting flaws rather than amplifying what already works.
Yet this mindset can quietly hold us back.
If you want to discover your strengths as a leader, you must unlearn the habit of self-criticism and replace it with honest self-observation.
Strengths aren’t arrogance. They’re tools, and tools are meant to be used.
Strengths vs. Weaknesses: A Leadership Shift That Changes Everything
Personal development doesn’t mean ignoring weaknesses. It means putting them in the right place.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?”
Try asking, “What am I naturally good at—and how can I build on it?”
This shift matters because leadership is relational. When leaders lean into their strengths, they naturally create space for others to bring theirs. A leader doesn’t need to be the smartest person in the room. A leader needs to recognize intelligence in others.
That’s how teams grow. That’s how trust forms and that’s how vision becomes reality.
To discover your strengths as a leader is to understand that leadership is not about domination—it’s about contribution.
Why Focusing on Strengths Is Healthier (and More Sustainable)
Our minds are constantly bombarded with negative messages—comparison, self-doubt, unrealistic expectations.
Over time, this creates mental fatigue and emotional pressure.
When you focus only on weaknesses, growth becomes exhausting.
Strength-based development works differently.
It energizes instead of drains. It builds confidence instead of fear.
And it allows leaders to grow from a place of purpose rather than pressure.
This is why learning to discover your strengths as a leader is not just a leadership skill—it’s a well-being practice.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Your Strengths
If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a practical approach used at Cumorah Academy:
- Notice what gives you energy
Pay attention to tasks that make you feel alive rather than drained. - Listen to consistent feedback
Strengths often show up in what others repeatedly thank you for. - Observe where you add value naturally
Not where you struggle—but where things seem to flow. - Learn from others without comparison
Admire strengths in others as inspiration, not competition.
Through mentorship, reflection, and real-world experience, students learn to discover their strengths as leaders in ways that feel authentic and actionable.
Meet the Mentors: Brian & RaeLynne Johnson
Brian and RaeLynne Johnson embody what it means to lead with clarity, humility, and long-term vision.
Originally from Utah, they are parents to eight children and grandparents to twenty-eight grandchildren. Family has always been at the center of their decisions, shaping both their careers and leadership philosophy.
Brian once planned to become a professional musician
During his mission, however, he received counsel that changed his life: his first responsibility was to build a family. That realization led him toward a career that offered stability and service.
He pursued accounting, earned an MBA, and later became certified in management accounting and supply management.
His journey eventually led him to work for The Church of Jesus Christ, where he found deep fulfillment.
Not only through professional growth, but also through contributing responsibly and exceeding expectations. His story teaches students that discipline, vision, and humility can open unexpected doors.
RaeLynne always dreamed of being a mother—and she lived that dream fully. As her children grew older, new opportunities unfolded naturally. She worked in floral design, weddings, and high-end event planning across the United States. Her life reflects a powerful truth: leadership evolves through seasons, and strengths reveal themselves over time.
Their example helps students discover your strengths as a leader without forcing a predefined path.
Why Cumorah Academy Is Different
Cumorah Academy isn’t about molding students into a single definition of success. It’s about helping each individual identify their gifts, develop discipline, and lead with purpose.
Here, mentorship isn’t theoretical. It’s lived. Students are encouraged to bring their dreams, projects, and questions to campus—and receive guidance grounded in experience, faith, and real-world wisdom.
This environment allows students to discover your strengths as a leader while learning how to serve others, build confidence, and act with intention.
Your Goals Are Our Goals
You don’t come to Cumorah Academy to be fixed.
You come to be refined.
Bring your ideas, bring your uncertainty, and bring your ambition. Together, we’ll help you turn clarity into action and purpose into leadership.
If you’re ready to discover your strengths as a leader, grow through mentorship, and develop skills that last a lifetime, Cumorah Academy is waiting for you.
Apply today and take the next step toward becoming the leader you were meant to be.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
