If you were asked, “What are your weaknesses?” most would rattle off several perceived weaknesses at the drop of a hat. However if asked “What are your strengths?” this question is often met with awkward silence.
Not only are your strengths parts of what makes you awesome, but spending your work and personal time leveraging your strengths will lead to greater enjoyment, satisfaction and achievement of personal goals.
The traditional management view used to create individual development plans focuses on ‘gaps’ however the Gallup Institute research shows that when people operate from their strengths they are more fulfilled and more effective. In a workplace, these employees are six times more likely to be engaged in their role.
They also state that their research “has proven that the best way to develop employees — and net the greatest return on investment — is to identify the ways in which they most naturally think, feel, and behave, then build upon those talents to create strengths — the ability to provide consistent, near-perfect performance.”
“shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s strong.” (VIA)
For a small fee you can complete the Gallup Inventory of Strengths, however for a quick and accurate assessment, I suggest you take the ‘Values in Action (VIA) Inventory of Strengths’ survey to identify your character strengths. The VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA Survey) is a 240 item assessment tool developed to scientifically measure a person’s character strengths.
Once you have awareness of your strengths you can use these as a reference point when job hunting to look for work that allows you to leverage these, and therefore increase your satisfaction and overall performance. As a manager, your team will likely have a bunch of talents that you’re not yet tapping into, imagine the power of combining all your relevant strengths! If nothing else, it’s nice to be reminded of what you are good at (and so when you do get asked ‘What are your strengths’ you have a response ready).
Click here to complete the test (it’ll take 15 minutes and yes it’s free): VIA Test
“If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities.” – Barbara Bush
