Are You Overusing Your Strengths or Style?

There's nothing wrong with strengths. In fact, I'm a huge advocate for knowing them and applying them in your work, however there can be too much of a good thing.

I've worked with the most lovely people, who struggled to give their opinion so remained undervalued, despite their incredible skills.

Or, others who have had unparalleled technical expertise, but shot down ideas from their peers so relationships suffered.

Or, decisive, results oriented leaders who intimidate others with their directness.

Or, kind leaders who took on too much and created delays in workflow.

It rarely intentional. In my experience, the vast majority of people have very good intent. But using strengths effectively comes down to self-awareness and being adaptive.

⭐️Firstly, do you know what your strengths and style are? The things you do very well, with ease? That don't feel like work, that bring you joy, that come naturally? Great.

If not, some ways to build awareness are strengths, behavioural style, or 360 degree assessments.

Or, you can simply listen closely to feedback on what you do well, how people interpret/misinterpret your style, or how others' describe you.

⭐️Secondly, are you adapting your approach? This is as much about emotional intelligence as it is about adapting your communication style to meet the context.

It's not about being someone else. It's dialling your natural strengths and style up or down to best meet the needs of the situation.

It's a blend of noticing the emotional state of the person in front of you; as well as assessing where your skills are best utilised for the matter at hand.

💪 Have you noticed strengths being overused before - what's an example from your experience?