What it takes to be an effective leader – Workshop 4

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I hope you found last week’s Workshop helpful and worthwhile. As we continue our journey to learning and exploring the 1st Principle underpinning our leadership effectiveness; Learning about leadership is at its essence, learning about self – it’s about developing a heightened level of self awareness, we turn our attention this week to our STRENGTHS.  

Most of us when asked to list our strengths and weaknesses, typically list 3 weaknesses for every strength. Why is this? Possibly because we have been conditioned to focus on what we are “not good at”. Think about it, how much time do we spend during performance reviews or when we give feedback, focusing on what we and others “need to do better” or what they need to “improve upon”. I am not suggesting we ignore our areas for improvement but I am suggesting we focus more time thinking about and using our strengths – by using our strengths we do what we’re best at and enjoy most.

What does it take for us to realise our potential? – doing more of what we’re best at or focusing more on what we need to be better at? It’s a no-brainer.

To realise our potential we need to be aware of what our strengths are. To help you, I’d like to refer you to the work Dr Martin Seligman, a founder of the School of Positive Psychology, has done in this area. On his website, Authentic Happiness there is the VIA Survey of Character Strengths Simply login, (it’s free) and do the Survey. Dr Seligman has identified 24 universally Character Strengths which if we use most during each day at work or in life, we will not only enjoy more of what we do but find greater meaning in what we do. At the end of the day the more we play to our strengths the more successful, enjoyment and the happier we will be.  

This all said, I am not suggesting you overplay your strengths – as this is the beginning of your undoing. Rather be mindful of what your strengths are and focus on using them to yours and others’ advantage. The more you are aware of and leverage your your strengths the more likely you are to recognise and play to others’ strengths. We’ve got everything to gain.

I’d be most interested in hearing what insights and value you got from this workshop – share your thoughts.

In next week’s Workshop, we will focus on developing our Emotional Intelligence. See you then.