5 Guiding Principles for a Strengths-based mindset

5 Guiding Principles for a Strengths-based mindset

Do you want to work truly Strengths-based with your team? And bring out all the talent? Then you are in the right place, because these five principles are the starting point for anyone trying to master the Strengths-based approach. Learning and reminding yourself about these guiding principles makes it easier to understand the meaning of Strengths and incorporate them correctly into your language and everyday life – for instance amongst your team. Allowing you to leverage your collaboration with colleagues to an extent you have not yet experienced. 

1) Strengths are neutral 

All Strengths are equal. There are no Strengths that are more desirable or important than others. The 34 Strengths are combined in a unique way for each individual and say something about how you think, act and feel, thus making it impossible to outline a perfect or preferred set of Strengths with such (needed) diversity around. 

2) Strengths are not labels

You are not your Strengths, you have Strengths. You cannot say “I am positivity” because it does not refer to your core identity, but as mentioned above, how you think, act and feel. Moreover, there is no point in trying to identify with these labels and include or exclude people on the basis of their Strengths, since everyone has a unique Strengths-DNA. You must see people for who they are on the whole – how their Strengths play into each other and what they can contribute with. This way, you also avoid stereotyping people on behalf of their Strengths and putting them into limiting boxes. 

3) Lead with positive intent 

Working Strengths-based is a positive approach and must be used accordingly. Rather than thinking about the negative aspects of your Strengths, their shortcomings, or your blind spots, think about what value your Strengths can add. If you think about your own or others’ Strengths negatively, you are not working Strengths-based. This is also why you must shift your mindset if you ever find yourself thinking “I wish I didn’t have this Strength” or “I wish I had that Strength.” There is value in all Strengths, and no matter what you can bring a valuable perspective. 

4) Differences are an advantage 

Different perspectives are needed. You can learn from people who have a completely different set of Strengths than you, and together you can complement each other’s thinking and cover potential blind spots. This can also help you when understanding others; there might be someone who gets on your nerves or acts in a way you would never, which is probably because they have an unlike set of Strengths compared to yours and simply act on behalf of them. Different Strengths bring different actions and perspectives. Combining these perspectives makes the sum greater than its part and keeps you on route to success. Teamwork is the best work.  

5) People need one another 

Together, you can achieve greater results and bring out the best in each other through awareness. Sometimes, it can be hard to identify when your Strengths are at play, because it is so natural for you, almost like riding on autopilot. Others can point out when they see your Strengths in action and remind you to cherish them and utilize them for your team. Likewise, you can help others with this. No one can do everything on their own, so remind each other, and lead with true positive intent.  

Fully internalizing these five principles will help you in leading a Strengths-based life and work accordingly. When everyone on a team leads with these you can naturally support each other and achieve success. Eventually making you feel healthier and happier, due to stronger relationships and feelings of belonging. Our ultimate goal is for teams and organizations to embrace the positive results and life satisfaction that comes from practicing this approach.