I
was privileged to be among the few to attend Gallup Accelerated Strength
Coaching Course in India-Mumbai in June 2017. One astounding finding during
this training was to focus on my strengths rather than my weakness. The
question is, why would a supervisor focus on fixing employee’s weakness instead
of maximizing employees strengths?
“Why
should supervisor focus on fixing an employee’s weakness instead of maximizing
their strengths?
“What
will happen when we think about what is right with people rather than focus on
what is wrong with them?”
Before
we delve into the discussion it is important that we define two concepts:
Talent is a naturally recurring
pattern of thought, feeling or behavior
that can be productively applied
Strength is the ability to consistently
produce a positive outcome through near-perfect
performance in a specific task. To finish with strength, start with talent.
Research has
found that Employees who use their strengths are more engaged, perform better,
are less likely to leave -- and boost your bottom line.
Do you know your
strengths? I never thought it was necessary until I attended the training.
I
highly recommend that you take Clifton StrenghtsFinder
survey which measures the presence of talents in 34 general areas or
themes. My test results revealed my top five themes as Maximizer, Responsibility,
Activator, Woo and Communication. When you know who you really are, its easier
to have a laser focus on what you are good at than trying to be the jack of all
trades. It should be established that every individual in an organization has talents which when properly identified,
nurtured and applied will bring productivity at work.
- Power of Strength
Research
by Gallup has established a compelling connection between strengths and
employee engagement in the workplace -- a connection that has the power to
accelerate performance when companies work on enhancing both simultaneously.
- Strength Improves employee engagement
Gallup
has found that building employees' strengths is a more effective approach to
improving performance than trying to improve weaknesses. When employees
know and use their strengths, they are more engaged, perform better, and are
less likely to leave their company.
When
you apply your strength in your area of work, there is an inner sense of
accomplishment in which makes you feel happy and motivated. As you achieve these
targets and get recognition by your boss, you ultimately want to repeat that
hence productivity becomes the order of the day.- Strength Improves Employees Confidence
One
of the best ways for employers to maximize employees' strengths is through
their supervisors. But what happens when supervisors choose to ignore their
employees or focus on their weaknesses? The employee will most likely lose
confidence in themselves as they can’t perform best. It’s like putting Cristiano Ronaldo
or Lionel Messi as defenders instead of strikers. While they will try their best to defend, the
team will benefit more when they are strikers.
Unfortunately, many Managers
don't focus on helping employees use their strengths which is costly to the
Company.
When
employees feel that their company cares and encourages them to make the most of
their strengths, they are more likely to respond with increased discretionary
effort, a stronger work ethic, more enthusiasm and commitment which will yield
positive results for the Organisation.
In conclusion, if organisations want to be more productive,
they should identify employees strengths through deliberate efforts of
facilitating strenthfinder survey, let employees set goals based on their strengths
and measure performance accordingly . Further , focus on strengths instead of
fixing weaknesses as its very costly , time wasting and frustrating like a farmer who want to fix infertile soil
using all kinds of chemicals instead of using a fertile ground and apply less
effort .Using your fertile area of life brings Return on Investment-ROI.
Be
Blessed!
Brighton M. Chishimba (MZIHRM/MSHRM)-The
author is a Chief Human Resource Officer at Rural Electrification Authority. Trainer, Strength Coach and Inspirational
Speaker.
