The Simple Shift That Changes Everything: Focus on Strengths
What if the most powerful leadership tool isn’t a new strategy or system, but a simple shift in how you think?
Many leaders spend their days spotting problems to solve. We’re trained to look for what’s broken, what needs fixing, and what isn’t working. That mindset might make sense in operations or finance, but when it comes to people, it doesn’t inspire great performance.
Fixing what’s wrong rarely motivates anyone. In fact, it often drains energy, both yours and your team’s.
Now imagine a different approach.
What would happen if, instead of focusing on what’s wrong, you focus on what’s right with your people?
That’s the heart of Strengths-based leadership. It starts with a small but powerful mindset shift.
The Mindset Shift That Sparks Motivation
One of my favorite quotes comes from Donald Clifton, founder of CliftonStrengths:
“What will happen when we think about what is right with people, rather than fixating on what is wrong with them?”
That question has changed the way I see leadership. Because when you start paying attention to what’s right – people’s natural talents, skills, and moments of success – you begin to see more of it.
Leaders I’ve coached over the years often take on a simple challenge: for one week, focus more on what’s working than on what’s not.
Almost every single one comes back with the same reaction: “Wow. When I focused on what worked, I got MORE of what worked.”
That shift builds morale, strengthens communication, and creates a deeper sense of confidence for both the leader and the team.
Small Actions, Big Impact
Celebrating what works doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the smaller and more personal the gesture, the greater the impact.
That’s why I created Strengths Recognition Postcards. These simple, printable notes can be filled out in a minute or two. On the back, there’s a short template to guide you:
“I saw this Strength at play when you did this, and it mattered because…”
It’s quick to write but powerful to receive.
When someone takes the time to notice and name your Strengths, it boosts confidence, trust, and engagement.
Of course, you don’t need the postcards to get started. You can send a message, leave a note, or simply say it out loud. The real power is in the recognition itself.
Putting It into Practice
If you’re ready to start leading through Strengths, here’s a simple place to begin:
1. Ask the right question.
Before your next one-to-one, pause for ten seconds and ask:
What is right with this person?
What are they doing well?
What could I build on?
2. Name the Strength out loud.
When you see someone use a talent or skill effectively, let them know. Acknowledge it in real time.
3. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
You don’t have to wait for a major win. Even small moments of growth or collaboration are worth noticing.
These simple steps help shift your attention from problems to potential, and your people will feel the difference immediately.
The Ripple Effect of Strengths-Based Leadership
When leaders focus on Strengths, teams become more connected and confident. Conversations open up, energy increases. People start taking ownership of their work because they know their contributions matter.
This isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about balancing your attention so that what’s good doesn’t get lost in what needs improvement.
Over time, this mindset builds cultures of trust, collaboration, and commitment – the kind of cultures where people want to give their best.
Your Next Step
If you’d like to explore your team’s Strengths and discover what’s right with your people, I’d love to help.
You can book a complimentary consultation with me to talk about how Strengths-based leadership can unlock potential and improve connection across your team.
But for now, start small.
In your next conversation with a team member, ask yourself:
What’s right with this person?
And watch what happens next.