Don't know your STRENGTHS? 3 Quick ways to find out

• ​Strength-based cultures.
• Use your strength more.
• Focus on strengths.

We are bombarded with messages to shift the way we do our work to have more of a focus on strengths. And while this is important, many of us missed the mark. We struggle, primarily because we don’t know precisely what our strengths are.  

​Use of Strengths = Effectiveness + Enjoyment
Here is the thing, though, when you use your strengths, you are much more effective in your work. The deliberate application of your foremost skills, talents and traits has optimal effects on your success as a leader. That makes an incredible difference in how you feel, in your relationship with your team and your organization’s outcomes.  

​If you have not identified your strengths here are three places you can look.  

1. What's been identified? Consider what you have already been told or what has been identified to you.
   1. Past performance appraisals are a good place to start but don’t limit it there. Check out favorite emails, cards or letters you have saved.
   2. Next, take a bit to consider where people often ask you for help. They are usually asking you because they know you are good at it.
   3. Likewise, where do you like to offer advice or suggestions or assistance? Those are telltale signs of things you are good at and enjoy.  
2. Ask other people what your strengths are. Take a moment have a conversation with some individuals and specifically inquire what they believe to be your strengths. This doesn’t have to be long and involved. In fact, a quick sidebar conversation where you get them to answer without thinking too much often elicits the most curious results. 
3. Utilize online self assessments. Work through a couple of self-assessments to help you identify your strengths. Martin Seligman’s VI Signature Strengths is one good starting place. Another option is Marcus Buckingham Strengths Finder. Both of these tools will give you great insight into what your highest strengths are.  Once you have identified your strengths, worked to improve your development of them and use of them. 

Growing your strengths - even stronger

1. ​Practice exercising your strengths as a form of habit. Make them part of your everyday work. Get good at applying what you’re good at.  
   
2. Learn more about your strengths. If your strength is the visionary person learn more about how to communicate that to others and how to use it to inspire your team. 
3. Another great way to grow your strength is to teach it to other people. If you are good at gratitude, educate others on the benefits of a gratitude practice. Begin staff meetings with gratitude to set the tone at the start of the meetings.

​Make the shift - Feel the shift
When you get clear on your strengths and utilize them more, you’ll begin by finding you are more effective in your work. Even more than that, as you get better at doing the things you are already good at, you’ll see stronger relationships and more enjoyment at work.

Question: What is one of the strengths you already have and use daily?

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