Individuals have many motivations, skill sets, goals, and strengths. This is especially true in the workplace. If you think about any team you have ever been on, there are usually many different talents in one group. One of the fundamental challenges as a manager or leader is trying to create a space where each individual gets the opportunity to use their strengths. A team comprised of and complemented by each other’s strengths will be able to achieve far more than a team that is not utilized for their gifts. By working together, leaning on, and learning from each other, you will have an efficient group of people getting to do what they do best.
Examples of Strengths:
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Creativity
- Optimism
While there are many strengths, these are just a few to remember as you read this blog to visualize the team you have or want to work with within your business.
Below we’re outlining some simple steps you can take to create a team that unites its different strengths. Doing so can create an inclusive environment that’s focused on everyone contributing to an overall goal.
4 Ways to Build a Team Based on Strengths
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses as a Leader
Influential leaders know their strengths and weaknesses to build up a team effectively. If you are a leader who struggles with certain areas of your business or leading a team, it’s good to be aware of those weaknesses. By being aware of what areas you lack, you can work on hiring others in your workplace to excel in the areas you know are not your strengths.
If communication isn’t your strong suit or creativity does not come naturally to you, engaging others with those strengths will allow them to shine.
Know Your Team’s Strengths and Weaknesses as Individuals
Talk to your team and figure out what career goals they have, what they aspire to achieve, or what skills they want to develop further. Having team members take just 10-15 minutes out of their day to take an online strengths test can help you more accurately narrow down what motivates each individual in your team. After you learn their strengths, give each person a chance to let those skills be used in the workplace. You might even discover that team members have skills you didn’t know about before these conversations.
Know How To Work Together
Communication will be critical in utilizing team members with different strengths. Try creating projects and tasks using team members with different strengths. Let team members give feedback on how implementing teamwork operates based on their strengths. There will be a learning curve with this process. Still, as you continue to include individuals with different skills, you will continue establishing a routine that makes your workplace more efficient and diverse. Team members will also feel more appreciated in the workplace when a manager makes an effort to build a strengths-based work culture.
Allow Team Members to Work on New Strengths
Don’t just let everyone be focused on the skills and strengths they possess, but be open to helping team members build on their strengths or develop new ones. If one team member wants to build up their skill set, help create opportunities for them to learn. Mentor relationships, seminars, and on-job experiences are some of the best ways to help build new strengths in your team members.
A team built on strengths will ultimately be more successful. Team members will be happier knowing their gifts and talents are being utilized and acknowledged!