How You Build And Sustain A Strengths Based Culture

In a high performance, dynamic culture, team members are committed to a common mission and agree to a set of guiding principles to support team members in a mutually edifying code of conduct. Common language is the key to establishing culture and the CliftonStrengths Assessment provides the framework for a shared language based in the philosophy of recognizing, validating and respecting the unique contributions of each team member while understanding and appreciating the associated differences in talent and respective function. In this culture, team members talk to each other, not at each other. The common goal is weighted over individual aspirations and the team’s success is recognized over personal ambitions. As a refresher, the results as noted by Gallup, are pretty prolific:

? People who use their strengths are 3 times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life.

? People who use their strengths are 6 times as likely to be engaged in their jobs.

? People who learn to use their strengths every day have 7.8% greater productivity at work.

?Teams who use strengths everyday have 12.5% greater productivity for the organization.

? Teams who receive strengths feedback have 8.9% greater profitability.

Implementing a Strengths Based culture with a common language takes an investment of resources. Time is the key. Team members require time to learn a system contrary to our natural inclination to approach self and others from a deficit perspective. We naturally see weakness, in ourselves and in others. When we invest in the implementation of a different lens, a strengths based lens, individual team members are allowed to explore their own talents from the vantage point of personal success. From this position, we are liberated to see success through the filter of our innate talents. As these talents are developed, strengths emerge. Here, we go from potential greatness, to actualized and recognized awesomeness.

Sustaining a Strengths culture initiative requires more than a goal to be the best. It requires an investment into the culture from each team member and a commitment to discussion, without judgement. Team trainings are a crucial part of the process. In the shared learning space, facilitated Strengths-Based discussions take place in the safety of the training room. Team members are encouraged to explore their talents, harness their power and bring these talents to light every day. Curiosity emerges as a common theme. Team members are encouraged to learn about their fellows and their uniqueness. Bonds are formed, bonds are broken, and misunderstandings are brought to light and recognized in the context of differences in patterns of communication, not differences in intention.

The crux of implementing and sustaining the Strengths-Based culture is the one to one training sessions. These strengths conversations open the door for exploration with an objective third party, the Consultant. Concepts are discussed, ideas are deliberated and goals are set. Relational differences among team members is a subject often covered. In the safety of the confidential one to one meeting, a way forward is mapped out for moving the needle toward relational interdependence. From the one to one sessions, the team moves back and forth between team sessions and learn tools to share strengths based concepts with next level team members.

A Strengths-Based Culture enjoys many tangible benefits from the effort to shift the focus from deficit to asset based thinking. Some of these benefits include improved communication among Senior Leaders and through levels of management. Engagement from the leadership increases and teams thrive in an atmosphere of open collaboration and high trust. As objectives are realized, teams learn to celebrate successfully and a collegial work place environment emerges. The return on investment (ROI) from a Strengths Based culture initiative is sustainable and measurable.

Interested in entering your strengths zone, or getting your whole team into theirs? We believe in fixing what’s wrong by focusing on what’s right, and we have set aside time for you on our dime! Connect with us HERE to learn more!