Tom Rauch

Got Strengths?

Of course you do, we all do. But how much time do you set aside every day to build on your strengths? Be honest!

For most people — myself included — building on their strengths is something they “should” do or do when they have the time. In reality, most people never do. They don’t even know how to talk about their strengths in meaningful ways: how to build on them, continue to develop them, see them in action. Perhaps most important, many people continue to engage in activities and pursue careers that do NOT play to their strengths, which leads to stress, disappointment, feelings of resignation (“oh well, that’s just the way life is.”)

If I had to guess, around 10% of the people in the US spend time working on their strengths. A 2008 study conducted by Marcus Buckingham (author of several books about strengths-building) noted that about 14% of employees believed they played to their strengths everyday.

The benefits of playing to your strengths, and continuing to build on them, are now well documented. People who focus on what they do really well report higher levels of engagement with their work, and greater overall satisfaction with their lives. They love what they do, and they do it very well. They don’t get caught up doing things they hate doing and aren’t very good at it — they figure out ways to manage around their “weaknesses” not just to avoid unpleasant tasks but as a way of eliminating distractions.

People who build on and play to their strengths make more money. They are experts, league-leaders, authorities in their field. They attract new clients and keep existing ones through what I call an “infectious enthusiasm.” People in their presence want to experience that inspiration, the belief that significant, meaningful change is possible — even probable.

People who know their strengths and take care of them are — happy. I mean think about it: if you were able to go to work (at a business or as a solo practitioner) doing what you love each and every day, and have others be grateful that you are — how would that change your life? The stuff you hate doing? You give it to people who love doing it, because it plays to their strengths.

There are several places you can go to identify and cultivate your strengths. I encourage you to read books by Tom Rath and Marcus Buckingham.  The “godfather” of positive psychology — Martin Seligman — has also written extensively about the relationship between strengths and living a fulfilled life.

Here’s a list I came up with based on the work I’ve done helping people (especially leaders, managers, coaches and holistic practitioners) describe their strengths to themselves and other people.

Which one (or two) resonate with you?

1. I’m a relationship strategist
2. I help people get unstuck
3. I get to the story behind the problem
4. I get people to push themselves harder and further
5. I help people get what they want
6. I help people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be
7. I help managers be better leaders
8. I take the pain out of managing people
9. I help people contribute and connect
10. I get people to learn from their problems

Just like anything else involving growth and development, consistency and focus is key.