“Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses.” Marilyn vos Savant

Most of us try to show up as our best selves and let those around us see our strengths, not our weaknesses. It’s not comfortable or easy to allow others to see our vulnerabilities, and, from a survival perspective, it’s generally not in our best interest to expose our weaknesses.

As a result, it’s easy to overlook, avoid or try to eliminate our weaknesses – but knowing our weaknesses can help us seek out others who have the strengths we lack. It can help us build complementary teams and communities of support where the whole is significantly greater than the sum of the parts.

Seph Pennock, PositivePsychology.com, says there is art and science of strength spotting in others.

Pennock says that spotting strengths in others, and then fostering and creating opportunities for their use, can significantly boost team performance and well-being. And this skill is particularly valuable in leaders, the best of which will surround themselves with a team built on the strengths they lack.

Strength-spotting and -coaching not only help us build better teams at work, but can assist us to understand our family and friends better, empowering us to communicate more effectively and set healthier expectations. It’s not just about efficiency but fulfilment, meaning and value. We can observe the people around us and see when they are in their element to start to discern their strengths. When it comes to the science of recognising strengths, there are several great online tools to help, such as the Values in Action Inventory (VIA) and the Gallup Access platform. 

At Wellsfaber, we believe that when we are living in our wealthspace, we are able to expand and engage with more of life. This is a growth mindset.

There are many ways to articulate strengths; here are some ideas to help you start today!

Wisdom

  • Creativity 
  • Curiosity
  • Love of learning
  • Perspective

Courage

  • Bravery
  • Perseverance
  • Honesty
  • Zest

Humanity

  • Love
  • Kindness
  • Social Intelligence

Justice

  • Fairness
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership

Transcendence

  • Spirituality
  • Hope
  • Humour
  • Gratitude

Temperance

  • Forgiveness
  • Humility
  • Prudence
  • Self-regulation

When we have the right words to help us articulate our own strengths, we can also increase our awareness of the strengths in others, and gain deeper insight into the motivations of all our actions. It can also help us see when beliefs are holding us back, hindering us from fully exploring and living in our wealthspace. 

Taking time to reflect on a time when we were at our best, and particularly motivated, engaged, or energized, can provide valuable insight into our unique character strengths. And, partnering with people who can help us manage life by leveraging our strengths alongside theirs allows us to find success together.