Working on our strengths?

Marcus Buckingham is credited with saying "we spend less than 15% of our time working on things that relate to our strengths".

Talent and personal development discussions are often centred around fixing 'weaknesses'.  Managers feel they quickly discuss achievements then spend the most part of the time identifying and working on 'areas for improvement'.  I wonder how this impacts on experiences of performance management for those doing it and equally those having it 'done to them'.

Certainly the challenge in current times is for organisations of all sizes to drive performance and increase turnover & profitability.  I wonder what impact we could have if we allowed people to play to their strengths, with the focus on how these are leveraged.

As a coach, I frequently have conversations around motivation and job satisfaction.  I notice the difference in my clients energy when I am helping them to understand the areas where they are at their best, compared to that when working on their 'weaknesses'.

Using a swimming analogy, how might we appraise Rebecca Adlington if we lost sight of her prowess at 400 & 800m freestyle? Would we be telling her to really focus on improving her butterfly stroke?

So, do you know your strengths and do you give yourself the opportunity to use them.  If you manage others, have you helped them to understand and apply theirs?

I would love to hear what you achieve!