We’ve all heard that success comes from building on strengths,
while in fact most of us focus more on weaknesses.
Marcus Buckingham makes a strong case for building on strengths.
For instance, Buckingham suggests we keep a record of activities for
a week. Strengths have 4 signs:
Success: Do you get meaningful results
Instinct: Do you eagerly look forward to the activity? Are you drawn
to it so strongly you can’t resist doing it?
Growth: Do you feel strong as you engage in the activity
Need: You feel fulfilled after the activity: a need has been filled.
What if you have the I,G and N but not the S?
That, says Marcus, is what we call a hobby.
If you have S’s but no I, G or N, you can get drafted for
activities and jobs where you’re good but lack interest.
Successful people, says Marcus, spend most of their time
playing to their strengths.
I would agree, although I think you have to plan for
turning your strengths into marketable skills. I also
think the marketplace rewards certain strengths more
than others.
But it’s a compelling message and a point to ponder.