Most development conversations focus on weaknesses. Yet people tend to be more engaged, and perform better, when they spend more of their time using what they are naturally good at. Strengths are not only what you do well, but what you enjoy and feel energised by.
01
Find your strengths
Exercise
Look for clues
Times at work when I felt at my best. What was I doing?
Tasks I find easy that others find hard:
Things I lose track of time doing:
What I am asked for help with:
Words that might help: analysing, building relationships, calming things down, creative thinking, explaining, organising, persuading, problem-solving, spotting detail, supporting others, taking charge, writing.
02
Ask other people
Ask two or three people who know your work: “What do you think I am at my best doing?” Note their answers without arguing with them.
| Who | What they said |
|---|---|
03
Use them more
| My top strengths | Where I use this now | Where I could use it more |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 |
Tip
Bring this sheet to your next one-to-one or appraisal. It changes the conversation from what is missing to what is possible.