Problems and challenges often take center stage in workplaces, rather than focusing on the good in human behaviour. Don Clifton started the global strengths movement by directing the question, “What would happen if we studied what was right with people versus what’s wrong with people?”
Clifton has challenged workplaces to shift their traditional focus from fixing weaknesses to identifying and amplifying strengths. Through this understanding is how he believed people could unlock their true potential.
This type of paradigm shift is what leads organizations to experience transformative change in their workplaces. When we take the time to recognize and emphasize what’s right with people, people are more likely to build on their strengths and this becomes your catalyst for growth and positive change.
Here are a few ways to develop a strengths-based culture:
Explore tools like Personality Dimensions™ that identify and share strengths, and create understanding for teams and leaders.
Align strengths and passion with roles.
Promote regular feedback that focuses on strengths, accomplishments and sharing what brings people pride and joy.
Spend one on one team with individuals creating development plans that highlight and enhance their strengths to support the future.
Engage in appreciation and recognition initiatives throughout the year.
Provide learning opportunities to further develop existing and new skills.
No strength is inherently better than others. We all have something to bring to the team that is valuable. In chess, every piece, from the queen to the pawn, can play an important role in the game. But you need to know how to utilize them to win. As a team, understanding where each member is strong allows us to utilize one another more effectively to both complete work and improve one another’s engagement.
A Team Human Conversation
Fight workplace zombies in your organization and join Team Human! Gather a group of fellow workplace zombie hunters to discuss our most recent blog post. Use the questions below to kick-start your conversation.
Share a time when you leveraged your strengths at work. How did it positively impact the team, organization or client?
How are we uncovering individual and team strengths today?
What could we be doing better to uncover individual and team strengths in the future?