What it takes to be an effective leader: Workshop 4 – Playing to your Strengths

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 many more weaknesses compared to strengths. 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 receive and give feedback, focusing on what we and others “need to do better” or “improve upon”. I am not suggesting we ignore our areas for improvement but I am suggesting we focus more time thinking about our strengths – by using on our strengths we do more of what we’re best at, enjoy most and find meaning in.

So, what does it take for us to realise our potential? – focus on what we’re best at or where we need to improve? It’s a no-brainer.

To realise our potential we need to be aware of our strengths. To help you, I’d want 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 you’ll find the VIA Survey of Character Strengths Simply login, (it’s free) and complete 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 your and others’ advantage. The more you are aware of and leverage 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 from you. What insights did you get from completing the VIA Character Strengths survey? Share your thoughts.

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