It’s not enough just to have a strength – you’ve gotta use it!
Having a strength isn't the same as using it
Having a strength is like having a million dollars in your bank account. Nice to know you’ve got it, but it doesn’t actually change anything unless you actually do something with it.
And then, you’ll want to learn how to use it in a way that grows rather than erodes its impact.
Why using your strengths well matters
Learning how to deploy your Genius Strengths intentionally is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself AND the world. Playing to your strengths strategically can lift your wellbeing, engagement, creativity, problem-solving and so much more. And all of that helps you be a better family member, friend, colleague, and community member.
I’ve been helping people play to their strengths for a couple of decades now. And I’ve developed a theory: one of the signs of a Genius Strength is that it’s something you were criticised harshly for when you were a kid.
Take me as an example: I was constantly criticised for exaggerating things and talking too much. Turns out, those are linked to the Storyteller strength. They help me write blogs, books, and social posts, and hold people’s attention when I deliver a keynote or facilitate a workshop.
The underlying reason I was criticised was not because the actions themselves weren’t useful; it was a mismatch between the intensity of my actions and what the situation needed. I was innocently overplaying my Storyteller strength because no one had taught me how to wrangle it strategically.
I think about some of the kids I went through school with who were criticised for the opposite: not speaking up and always being in their heads. Some of them turned out to have Listener as a real Genius Strength. They’ve found ways to deploy that strength in diverse fields such as counselling, architecture, and leadership.
TL;DR?
1) Figure out what your Genius Strengths are (what you’re brilliant at and love doing)
2) Figure out how to use them in ways that suit each situation
If you want help with 1) or 2), @Unleash Your Awesome and @The Strengths Deck can help!
