12 Sep It’s Time to Leverage Your Strengths
We are raised to believe we must accentuate the positives, especially in our working lives.
However, when we think of performance reviews and everyday feedback, there is a greater emphasis on what can be done better, rather than what is done well. This can often leave us with more knowledge on negative points rather than how to build on people’s strengths. This can manifest itself in staff, becoming reticent to be forward thinking or courageous, because of the fear of being told what they did wrong rather than what they did right. Ultimately, we see staff become disengaged with low personal productivity and initiative.
So, how exactly can you effectively leverage your team’s strengths at work?
Self-reflect
The first step to leveraging your team’s strengths is to identify what they are great at and what gives them the most energy. It is important to note that just because a certain task energises some staff, it doesn’t mean it is their strength. Self-reflection will allow you to pinpoint what your team excels at and what they are suited to do.
Don’t compare staff to each other
Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It is time to stop comparing one member of your staff to another and wishing they could all be the “golden employee.” Look to inspire a sense of self-awareness and self-recognition. By disseminating clear core values and beliefs, this will help you align staff with the outcomes you expect of them.
Peer reflection
Peer reflection can be beneficial to get the real opinion of those in your team. Ask them what you need more of and what you need less of, to be a successful organisation and/or team.
Individuals who are using their strengths in their everyday workings are more likely to be productive and engaged. Unfortunately, it is found that only 3% of respondents to a survey conducted by Gallup, said they work based on their strengths and are encouraged to do so. The remaining 97% of respondents are grouped in a pool of untapped productivity.
Leveraging each of your employees’ strengths is a key element in the creation of a successful workplace. Not sure how to start?
Hubb Consultants can help, contact us today to find out how.