improving performance through strength

1. Improving Performance Through Strength Introduce SelfIntroduce Self

2. Today�s Purpose Learn about �Strengths-based Development� Identify personal strengths using Gardner�s Multiple Intelligences Consider other avenues to identify strengths, including the StrengthsFinder� Explore how these concepts can be used in the workplace and in our life

3. Why Strengths? Each person�s talents are enduring and unique Research has uncovered some very powerful insights we can take advantage of� The first is that �each person�s talents are enduring and unique��in other words, we don�t have infinite capacity to do anything we want, despite what your Mother told you. PERSONAL EXAMPLE But that�s OK, because each of us still have plenty of talents to work with�more than many of us can explore in a lifetimeResearch has uncovered some very powerful insights we can take advantage of� The first is that �each person�s talents are enduring and unique��in other words, we don�t have infinite capacity to do anything we want, despite what your Mother told you. PERSONAL EXAMPLE But that�s OK, because each of us still have plenty of talents to work with�more than many of us can explore in a lifetime

4. Why Strengths? Our greatest room for growth comes from our greatest strengths The other insight is that our true potential comes from these strengths In other words, if I spent time working at improving the things I�m already good at, then I will get more from that investment of time and money than if I invest in my weak areas Let�s look at that more closely�.The other insight is that our true potential comes from these strengths In other words, if I spent time working at improving the things I�m already good at, then I will get more from that investment of time and money than if I invest in my weak areas Let�s look at that more closely�.

5. Notice that this runs against traditional wisdom that suggests that we become a better person by eliminating our weaknesses� Notice that this runs against traditional wisdom that suggests that we become a better person by eliminating our weaknesses�

6. That doesn�t mean we ignore our weaknesses�we just change our perspective on them We need to acknowledge them for what they are, and then leverage our strengths so our weaknesses don�t get in our way�That doesn�t mean we ignore our weaknesses�we just change our perspective on them We need to acknowledge them for what they are, and then leverage our strengths so our weaknesses don�t get in our way�

7. What should we do differently? Increase our understanding of our strengths�individually and collectively Find ways to improve on and use these strengths on a regular basis �and since there�s no time like the present, we�re taking a few minutes this morning to do just that �and since there�s no time like the present, we�re taking a few minutes this morning to do just that

8. Identifying Our Strengths�A History

9. A Closer Look at �Multiple Intelligences�

10. Multiple Intelligences Linguistic: word smart Logical-mathematical: numbers smart Spatial: picture smart Bodily-Kinesthetic: body smart Musical: music smart Interpersonal: people smart Intrapersonal: self smart Naturalist: nature smart

11. Activity #1 � Let�s Explore Find a partner� Begin by sharing your three �intelligences� Then answer this question:

12. Activity #1 Let�s Explore Think of how you�ve used one of these strengths to achieve success in life�describe a story or situation that offers a specific illustration. This should be an example which you�re proud to share, and which shows off the best of who you are. Tell your partner this story. Do not be humble! You each have 5 minutes

13. Activity #2Up a Notch Working with the same Partner� Brainstorm on this question: Review your list�identify a strength that is �under used� by comparison. How might you increase the use of this strength in your daily work or personal life? You have 10 minutes

14. StrengthsFinder�

15. StrengthsFinder� Based on research by the Gallup Organization Yet another way to examine our strengths StrengthsFinder� identifies five particular strengths from among the potential 34 that research has identified

16. StrengthsFinder� Achiever Activator Adaptability Analytical Arrange Belief Command Communication Competition Connectedness Consistency Context Deliberative Developer Discipline Empathy Focus Futuristic Harmony Ideation Includer Individuation Input Intellection

17. Your Challenge Continue the Strengths reflection and action� Increase your knowledge of your personal strengths Identify ways you can use these strengths even more!

18. There�s more� Positive Organizational Development Positive Psychology ��focuses on the dynamics that lead to developing human strength, producing resilience and restoration, fostering vitality, and cultivating extraordinary individuals, units and organizations�.

19. Thank you!