As I ask this question, I’m wondering how many leaders are trying to wrap their heads around this. Are you one of these leaders? If someone were to pose this to you, could you rattle off your top three strengths? For some leaders it may seem quite simple to share their strengths with clarity and understanding. They may even wonder what’s the big deal in knowing the areas they excel. Yet, there are many other leaders who may be squirming in their seats right now trying to name their assets. It is this latter group of individuals who I often work with in exploring what strengths have contributed to their success. In fact, they often get stumped on this question and instead, start to list all the areas they want to improve.
What is so important about knowing our top three strengths anyway? Studies have shown that when leaders incorporate their strengths into their jobs and careers, they are more likely to feel more satisfied and be more successful. Also, it is very de-energizing to focus on our blind spots which can prevent a leader from being at their very best.
Here are four ways to discover your top three leadership strengths:
1. Think About What Comes Naturally
Knowing what seems to come easily to leaders can be a great way to uncover a true strength. Oftentimes leaders can overlook the most obvious- their innate gifts. I have worked with individuals who are unable to see where they have demonstrated great skill and character because they thought it was not something they had to work hard at. Strengths are the areas that we often feel comfortable with as we live our lives or perform our jobs with ease. For example, one person was so skilled in keeping things running smoothly and meeting deadlines that they took it for granted. Their strength showed up in both their professional and personal life with being punctual and dependable. They could always be counted on to push forward even when things got tough.
2. Ask For Feedback From Colleagues and Bosses
Another helpful way to identify a leader’s strengths is by conducting a 360 feedback with people they work with. This may sound simple, but don’t underestimate how powerful it can be. Our colleagues, bosses and even friends know so much about us and often have deeper insights about where we excel. Here are some questions that leaders may want to pose:
- How do I contribute value to our team projects?
- What do you see as my strongest character trait?
- What do you depend on me to do?
The key with these is to make sure the answers are filled with specific situations that demonstrate how you use your strength.
3. Identify When You Are In The Flow
This exploration can bring to light when and where you are sharing your precious strengths and gifts. Lean into this deeply as it can reveal when you are feeling at your highest point. Being in the flow means every part of you is submerged in whatever you are doing or working on. It is when you are unaware of the passage of time because you are extremely energized and focused. Once again it is essential to be specific when the flow happened and name what you were doing and who you were connecting with. All of these particular elements will help you see which strengths you rely on and how they serve you and your leadership.
When leaders are in flow, they are leveraging their strengths and gifts. Share on X4. Reach Out To A Coach
Sometimes it can be difficult for leaders to clarify their strengths. This can be for a number of reasons including being less curious or just blocked with your mind and body. In that case, enlisting a leadership or executive coach can unlock not only the strengths that you cannot see but other areas of your leadership that you may be sabotaging. In choosing a coach:
- Always set up a complimentary sample session to see if you are a good fit. Not every leader relates the same way to each coach.
- Make sure the coach is qualified to help you.
- Come to coaching with an openness to the possibilities that may bring out your unique being. Coaching can be transformative.
Not every leader is ready to discover their top three leadership strengths. When you are, what actions will you take?