This week, I’m thinking a lot about how playing to your strengths leads to more motivation, a more positive work environment, and a large increase in engagement. When we don’t focus on strengths (in ourselves or others), the odds of being engaged are 9%. When we focus on strengths, the odds of being engaged soar to 73%.
Somewhere in history, someone decided that it would be a good idea to focus on improving our weaknesses at work. AKA – let’s spend more time and energy while causing stress and unhappiness to people rather than identifying and focusing on our strengths in order to have an engaged, fulfilled, and motivated team / environment. We’re making things harder on ourselves and hurting our organizations by trying to improve weaknesses, especially because the art of giving feedback and coaching employees is not done very well (generally speaking).
This week’s easily digestible tidbit is:
Take the VIA strengths quiz (it’s free). Notice what your top 5 strengths are. These are the strengths that are essential to your authentic self. They are effortless and energizing for you. How can you incorporate these strengths into your daily life? Ask your team, boss, coworkers to take the quiz. Discuss how everyone can play to their strengths for a more engaged and motivated environment.
Master your strengths. Outsource your weaknesses.
This week’s thought-provoking question:
Reflect on your top 5 strengths. Can you identify if you are over-using them or under-using them in certain situations?
This week’s appreciation | motivation | recognition idea:
“An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body” (100 ways to motivate yourself, Steve Chandler). Do something to activate your body: go for a run, a walk, a hike, a bike ride. When the body is active, the brain refuels and is refreshed. It’s a great way to motivate yourself.
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