When I start coaching a new client we start with a “getting to know you” session.

As part of this process, I ask clients to tell me about themselves. Most people start by telling me what they are not very good at and what they don’t want to experience in life.

Interestingly, very few people begin by describing what they are good at and what they do want to experience and achieve in life. It is very rare for people to be able to articulate their top five strengths. However, they can easily detail their weaknesses or development needs.

Why are we conditioned to think and talk in this way? In doing so, we may be denying ourselves the opportunity to grow and realise our potential.

We all have strengths and natural talents as well as areas where we are not so strong. Having a clear understanding of our strengths helps to builds esteem and confidence. It enables us to have a greater appreciation of the value that we bring to tasks, teams and other people.

I often ask clients what the effect on their results and life would be if they had clarity on their core strengths and played to them, instead of expending time and effort focusing on what they are not good at and what is not working.

I have found that when people gain a greater understanding of their strengths and value they bring to the world they experience greater happiness, fulfilment and increased self-worth. Surely that is sufficient motivation and incentive to gain more personal insight in this area.

Imagine the effect on companies and society in general, if all teams had a greater appreciation of their own and colleague’s strengths and were encouraged to play to them. I am sure there would be higher employee satisfaction, engagement levels, uplift in customer satisfaction and results.

Working environments would be more positive and energised.

I recommend to my clients that they dedicate some time developing a list of their top 5 strengths and then to be honest about how much they are utilising them and devise some concrete action steps to use these talents more frequently.

I have found that some people do not find it easy to come up with their own list, so where it is proving to be testing, I encourage them to seek input from family members, colleagues or friends. Those people that they know well and can be trusted to give helpful, supportive and honest feedback.

Quite often others see our positive qualities and contributions more easily than we do ourselves. This process helps shine a light on blind spots and helps positively build self-awareness.

You can ask those closest to you to answer the following questions honestly:-

• What do you think is the most interesting thing about me?

• What do you value most about me?

• What do you perceive to be my greatest strengths?

There is a free strengths test on the University of Pennsylvania authentic happiness website. You can view it at : http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/default.aspx

You can take the Clifton strengths finder assessment online. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and after doing so you will be provided with your top 5 strengths and a detailed summary document.

There are also other resources available including action plans which provide tips on how to put your strengths to better effect. It costs $9.99 (about £6) and can be purchased at: www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/Purchase

This week why not take a few moments to consider if you have clarity on your strengths and if you are making the most of your natural talents and gifts. What would the result be if you played to your strengths consistently?

This week’s quotation:

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

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk