Three Ways Leaders Can Create a Strength Toolbox
Posted on September 21, 2017 by Bob Van Baren, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
Life and conflict comes at leaders fast; are you ready to react to the pressure?
Occasionally, I enjoy a good house flip show. Since I am not a handy guy I get impressed with how they instantly know the right tool for the problem. It amazes me that they don’t even have to think about it, they react and make it happen. This is what can make them so successful. I believe good leaders can become great by developing this same ability with their strengths. Tom Rath says, “What great leaders have in common is that each truly knows his or her strengths – and can call on the right strength at the right time.” Life and conflict comes at leaders fast; are you ready to react to the pressure?
Today, I want to share three ways leaders can create a strength toolbox.
First, use an assessment like the Clifton StrengthsFinder as a springboard towards creating your strength toolbox. Clifton StrengthsFinder magnifies your unique combination of talents. Before builders become experts, they must buy the correct tools and be taught how to use them. Your Clifton StrengthsFinder report will begin to give you the tools you need to start transforming your talents into strengths. Creating a strength toolbox starts with a basic understanding of your talents and this will begin to give you a new self-awareness. Many people stop at self-awareness, but to become a great leader it is going to take a hard-work and an action plan.
Second, hire a coach. A terrific way to create an action plan is to hire a coach. The greatest athletes in the world know that if they want to succeed they need a coach. Why is becoming a great leader different? Bill Gates says, "Everyone needs a coach. We all need people who will give us feedback.” Everyone needs help seeing their blind spots. Coaches have been able to help me understand my core strengths and how they affect me and others. They have been a tremendous unbiased resource for me.
Third, you need to be deliberate about your practice. House flipping professionals do not become experts at their work overnight, but it takes years of deliberate practice. They focus on mastering one trade at a time. If you want a strength toolbox you must do the same thing. You have multiple talents, but start by picking one that you want to become a strength. Which talent should you start with? Choose the one that resonates the most with you, and start practicing
It is time to start creating your strength toolbox. Are you ready to use your strength to help with conflict management? Are you ready to become a great leader? Let’s get started! I am offering a free, 30-minute become a transformational leader today coaching session. Sign-up on my Noomii profile or visit my website.
