Many individuals, if not most, were brought up by in a culture that pushed us to work on our weaknesses in order to ensure that we became well rounded people. In fact, there may be many areas of life where working on your weaknesses is a critical part of survival and success. Nevertheless, there is more than adequate research to suggest that working on improving your areas of greatest strength is where you will see the greatest benefit.
Strengths-based living first came to my awareness some years ago through the research done by the Gallop organization in a book called Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham. Since that book Buckingham has built a cottage industry evangelizing for the cause of Strengths focused living. Fundamentally the question strengths based living/management asked the question, “Do you have a chance to do what you do best every day?” Marcus has produced a great video that simply explains why it makes sense for a Business to Focus on Strengths.Also, he created a great video called Trombone Player Wanted that brilliantly highlights strengths (15 min)
Since I began leading the Tacoma Rescue Mission we began using the strength finder test in hiring key executive and leadership staff in order to better understand how each individual person. It’s been immeasurably helpful in our building such a great team. It’s also been helpful in assigning work/projects based upon what people are naturally good at and enjoy. In addition, we’ve asked all of our board members to take the test so that we can work together most effectively.
What are the benefits of working in your strengths?
1. Satisfaction that you are in the BEST FIT for you.
2. Greater sense of enjoyment in your tasks
3. Ability to take on greater challenges with ease
4. Opportunity to become truly great at something.
5. Greater since of purpose and direction in your life.
Here at the Mission we are going to continue to build on our positive start in using Strengths-based management by encouraging all staff who’ve yet to take the test, to take a strengths test (contact Lindab@trm.org) and discuss the findings with their Director.
An even greater opportunity exists for those members of our team who are volunteers. If it makes sense for people do “Have a chance to do what they do best” at work, then we should give an opportunity for volunteers to work in their best areas too. (Click here if your are interested in volunteering)
Here’s my challenge to any volunteer, we’ll pay for you strength-finder assessment if you will commit to volunteering a 2 hours in the area of your greatest strength. How can you go wrong?
How has working in your strengths been helpful to you? How many of you wish you could have a strengths-test to find out what you naturally do best?
DC
