Lots of people tell me it’s so much easier to focus on what’s
wrong with them (their ‘weaknesses or what they’re not good at) versus what
they’re really, really great at. I think that’s because it’s a long standing
habit for many of us. We’ve focused there for so long, it’s come to define us.
It’s what our self talk is all about. This often limits a person’s willingness
and ability to stretch into more challenging assignments, take some risk at
work and perform at higher levels. In other words, it can prevent people from
leading from their seat!
It’s in everyone’s best interest to help people own the best that is in them! If we’re
tuning into others regularly and training our eyes and ears to unearth
strengths, we can see someone else’s potential long before they do. So, as a
coach leader, what can you practically do to help others look in the mirror and
see what you see? Here are some ideas that you can implement lickety split:
- Work on yourself first! Let’s get better at uncovering the brilliance in others. Pick one person each day for a week and list all of the assets or positive qualities that s/he has. Be sure to select a variety of people, not only those for whom you already have an affinity.
- Share your thoughts with each person and listen/observe their feedback.
- Complete a learning exercise with your team. Ask each person to identify their own signature strengths and their growing edges (this is my reframing of ‘weaknesses’). Review and discuss in detail in your one-on-one meeting OR, if the team is ready for a challenge, review and discuss together at a team meeting!
- Check out the strengths finder website, www.strengths-finder.com , for other potential tools and techniques.
