How to Adopt and Deliver a ‘Strength Based’ Approach

In my last blog, I introduced the concept of a ‘strengths-based’ approach.

In a world where stress, demotivation and resulting increased levels of workplace absences are damaging the UK economy, many forward-thinking managers are addressing new ways of leading their staff and getting increased productivity from their workplace.

As a recap, a ‘strengths-based’ approach is about ‘how’ we work, not ‘what’ work we do.

It’s a way of working that focuses on abilities, knowledge, and capacities rather than deficits, or things that are lacking. It recognises that all employees are resilient and capable of growth, learning, and change.

So now you’ve understood the concept, how can you adopt it to best advantage in your workplace.

Here are my key suggestions.

Invest in your strengths and capabilities

It’s not just our DNA that makes us unique – it’s our personality as well.

Everyone possesses certain uniqueness that makes them stand out in a certain way.

However, amongst the pressures, demands, stresses, and strains of today’s competitive and fast-paced world, we often forget what defines us as unique human beings. 

Defining and understanding your personal strengths can make you more focused on what you can do, rather than comparing with others and detecting your weak spots.

Michael Dennis Saleebey (1936 to 2014) was an American academic credited with promoting Strength Based Practice during his time as Emeritus Professor of Welfare at the University of Kansas.

To help people recognise their strengths, he used the acronym CPR:

• C: Competence, capabilities, and courage;

• P: Promises, positivity, and positive expectations;

• R: Resilience, reserves, and resources.

Make a list of your strengths and see how they apply in your environment. Start by utilising each of our strengths in daily chores and observe the effect it has upon you and those around you. 

Studies show that people who use their strengths at least once a day feel less anxious, more positive, and mentally stronger.

Refocus your attention on what you can do

German theoretical physicist Albert Einstein is reputed to have said “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it’ll live its whole live believing that it’s stupid.”

Indeed, today’s society can often place more emphasis on what individuals can’t do rather than concentrating on what they can do.

If we live our lives trying to do things we can’t, we’ll rarely find time to do things we have the ability, willingness, and talents to do. 

Instead, think about what you’ve always dreamt of doing but haven’t had the opportunity to, and put your plan into action.

Embrace the change! Photo Dan Dennis Unsplash

Don’t resist change – embrace it

Change can be hard, and we tend to gravitate around familiar people and environments.

Nevertheless, reconsider your potentials to achieve them by changing your way of seeing the world, your habits, and your attitudes.

If your efforts aren’t rewarded, consider what you could do differently to generate a positive outcome.

Speak optimistically!

If you maintain a negative attitude and repeat discouraging words, then the chances are that you’ll experience negative outcomes.

Conversely, accepting and proclaiming positive words will lead towards greater openness to new opportunities and expanding your perspectives.

Studies have shown that people who speak positively are more content and enjoy better mental health (Source: https://intelligentchange.com).

Become the master of your life and support others

Strengthen your competencies and strengths while minimising the detrimental influence of your weaknesses.

Instead of focusing on the problem and the consequences it could bring, shift the perspective and consider the positive points that could open a new way of dealing with daily

issues.

Make sure you bond with your colleagues by offering a positive perspective instead of criticising and focusing on negativity. 

Look out for further blogs in this series – The Importance of Adopting a Strength-Based Approach and The Benefits of Adopting a Strength-Based Approach.

If you need further information about this approach, or any other resilience topic, please contact russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk