In the ideal world, every person who takes the Gallup Strengths Finder assessment would receive 4-5 hours of coaching to analyze and leverage his/her results. A series of coaching session helps people to truly notice, appreciate and apply their talents. It’s the first step in heading in the right direction. It also helps to discover what I call “strengths wisdom”. A strengths based approach allows individuals and teams to thrive in their roles. People thrive because they know how to leverage their greatest talents to do their work and overcome challenges. “Naming, Claiming and Aiming” one’s strengths is the key to unlocking tremendous energy and performance.
Yet, there is one more step that will allow an individual to thrive even more. This step requires a person to trust the inner wisdom of their strengths. I call this “strength wisdom”. Perhaps this feels a little too “soft” for some leaders. But hold on and ask yourself these questions:
- If you had no fear and no constraints, what would you do tomorrow? Which of your strengths would you leverage? How would you spend your day? Who would you spend your day with? What would the space around you look and feel like?
- If you could wake up and feel calm, not stressed, and joyful tomorrow, what would you do today to make sure it happened? (Remember, no constraints). What would you shift about your routine? What would you take off your calendar? Who would you schedule time with? Where would you plan to go? How long would you sleep or rest? What strengths would you need to activate to make this happen?
- If you wanted to live with no regrets, what would you shift in your approach to living life? Which strength would help you get to that place of no regrets?
Did you answer some of these questions? If so, your strengths are talking to you! The inner wisdom and experiences of your strengths is engaged. This “strengths wisdom” holds the key to you truly thriving in your role. Our strengths know what they want and need. As leaders we just need to listen more intentionally.
What is one step you are going to take to fearlessly engage your strength wisdom? How will you make tomorrow different so your strengths can really shine through? What can you do to support your colleagues so they too will thrive?
Let me know how it goes.
