Strengths and weaknesses…common topics in many performance discussions. Inevitably, we gloss over the strengths and instead focus on improving the weaknesses. Yet we are not designed to excel in everything. Instead, a more productive approach would be to focus on better leveraging our strengths.

Just as no two snowflakes are perfectly alike, so it goes that no two people are perfectly alike. Just as the shape of a snowflake is influenced by the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere in which it was created, so too are we influenced by the unique conditions of our genetics and life experiences. And just as the unique design of each snowflake contributes to its wonder and beauty, so too is our unique design worthy of wonder and beauty.

Each of us has a unique set of gifts and talents that make us uniquely valuable in our own way. It would serve each of us and our organizations well to honor our unique design by capitalizing more on our own strengths and those of each other. The partnering of many, each with our own strengths, is a powerful combination.

In fact, research by the Gallup organization finds that ’employees who know and use their strengths are six times as likely to be engaged at work, nearly 8% more productive in their role and much less likely to leave their company.’

As a result, strengths-oriented organizations ‘see up to 19% increased sales, 29% increased profits, 59% fewer safety incidents and 72% lower turnover.’

So, consider the following:

1. What are your strengths? Go ahead, make a list!
2. How are you leveraging your strengths each day? Keep them top of mind.
3. What could you do to further capitalize on your strengths? Brainstorm ideas.

Discovering Your Strengths

In my experience coaching leaders, people often struggle to identify their strengths. It is no wonder since we are so often focused on our weaknesses! You can start by asking yourself what comes easily to you and what feels effortless. And since others are often better able to see where we shine, it may be revealing and/or validating to ask those around you.

Capitalizing on Your Strengths

People often feel more energized, fulfilled, and satisfied with their work when tapping into their strengths. To have more of that in your work, it may be worth your while to increase the amount of time or number of activities in your work that leverage your strengths. Depending on the level of flexibility you have in your work, this may be a simple shift in activity or may involve a significant change in your role.

It is your choice, of course, whether to stay the course or to make a change. There are most certainly reasons not to make any changes (effort, risk, ego, etc.) Also, consider whether the change might offer a more attractive reward of higher productivity, satisfaction, and fulfillment. You deserve it! And with patience, persistence, and courage, these are likely to come your way when you honor your unique design.

Photo Credit: LJM Photo / Snowflake Artwork Credit: CC 4.0 BY-NC – submitted by Rojal