In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we dive into a conversation from back in 2017 about images. We discuss the power of images, the power of finding objects, and how you can use them to get to know your Strengths and the Strengths of other people a little bit more. We also share a very helpful and practical show & tell activity that we encourage you to try with your team. Enjoy!
Sometimes at Leadership Vision, we play an informal game of Strengths pairings. Basically, we mash up two of the names of our Themes of Strengths to explain how they work together. We know that Strengths do not work alone. We never go one at a time with our Strengths. Rather, we try to tell a story and challenge people to see how pairs and combinations of Strengths can be discussed. In this article, Linda shares examples of Strengths pairings and how they look in different individuals.
One of the ways StrengthsFinder gets misused is in the hiring process. Hiring good people is hard. Sometimes, to short circuit the process, employers try and use StrengthsFinder as a way to find the “perfect” person with the “perfect” Strengths to fill a role. In our opinion, StrengthsFinder was never intended to be used this way.
When we work with clients who are on the journey to becoming Strengths-based organizations, we remind them that when it comes to hiring, the first step is less about the StrengthsFinder language and more about cultivating a culture focused on what’s right about people. The positive foundation shapes the rest of the complex, people-focused work.
Are you building a Strengths-based organization? Our advice is to take action on three key elements: use a common language, facilitate shared experiences, and bolster the narrative intelligence among your members.
As a shaper of culture, keep three things in mind: First, the convergence of cultures actually creates a new culture. Secondly, the convergence of cultures allows for individuals to grow in their unique identities. Finally, a Strengths Based approach can Infuse the world with Beauty and Brilliance through relationship and conversation.
