Why Invest in Strengths?

Over 34 million people worldwide have taken Gallup's CliftonStrengths assessment, a testament to the increasing recognition that true success stems from harnessing our natural talents. As Marcus Buckingham once said:

Strengths are not what we do well, but what we do effortlessly.

This growing global movement reflects a powerful shift toward understanding that, by focusing on what we do best, we unlock untapped potential both personally and professionally.

But what exactly are strengths, and why should we invest our energy in developing them?

It all started with the 1950s Nebraska Schools Study. This study, supported by the Nebraska State Education Council, aimed to examine how speed reading techniques impacted students' reading comprehension and learning speed.

As researchers analyzed the data, they discovered that students who were the fastest readers at the start of the study showed the greatest improvement in speed reading, increasing their reading speed from around 300 to 2,900 words per minute.

This was a pivotal moment, as it prompted further exploration into human development and the role of natural strengths.

This discovery led to Gallup’s research, where the hypothesis emerged that the greatest gains in human development come from investing in people's natural strengths, rather than focusing solely on areas where they are weakest.

Gallup’s work in this area is foundational in the development of strengths-based psychology.

Here are the key points from Gallup's research and the development of strengths-based approach:

Focusing on Strengths: Gallup’s findings suggested that people experience the most significant growth when they leverage their natural talents. For example, just as students who already had strong reading skills made the greatest strides, individuals who invest in their strengths, whether in professional, personal, or academic settings, are more likely to succeed and grow rapidly
Maximizing Potential: The research showed that improving skills or behaviors that individuals are naturally inclined toward (their strengths) leads to greater performance, engagement, and satisfaction. Conversely, focusing too much on weaknesses or deficiencies tends to yield limited progress, leading to frustration and disengagement
Strengths-Based Development: Gallup’s research laid the groundwork for the strengths-based movement in education, business, and personal development. It emphasized the importance of identifying what people do best and creating environments that allow them to apply and grow those strengths
The CliftonStrengths Assessment: Gallup's insights led to the creation of the CliftonStrengths assessment, which identifies a person’s top natural talents. The assessment is widely used in corporate, educational, and personal development contexts to help individuals and teams focus on their innate strengths, leading to greater productivity, well-being, and satisfaction
Implications for Learning and Leadership: This research has since been applied to leadership development and coaching, showing that leaders who understand and utilize their strengths (and those of their teams) are more effective and engaged. The same principles apply in education, where students who engage with subjects and tasks that align with their natural strengths tend to perform better and enjoy the learning process more

The Nebraska study’s findings, combined with Gallup's research, shifted the focus of human development toward strengths-based approaches, promoting a model where the focus is on enhancing natural abilities rather than trying to fix deficiencies.

This philosophy continues to influence modern leadership and developmental frameworks, advocating for the growth of individuals based on their inherent talents.

The Difference Between Talents and Strengths

Gallup defines talents as natural patterns of thought, feeling, or behaviour that can be productively applied. Strengths emerge when we intentionally invest in these talents by building knowledge, honing skills, and repeatedly practicing their use.

For example, someone with an Empathy talent can develop it into a strength as a creative leader, consistently fostering an atmosphere of support and understanding to enhance teamwork and build powerful relationships with various stakeholders. Strengths are talents amplified by effort and focus.

Does Focusing on Strengths Mean Ignoring Weaknesses?

A common misconception about strengths-based development is that it dismisses the importance of addressing weaknesses. However, investing in strengths doesn’t mean ignoring areas for improvement. Instead, it’s about focusing energy on what you do best and achieving consistent, sustainable excellence. All while managing or mitigating weaknesses effectively.

Research from Gallup shows that people who focus on their strengths:

Report feeling more confident and energized
Are 6x more likely to be engaged in their work
Experience higher productivity and well-being

Focusing on weaknesses, by contrast, can lead to frustration, lower performance, and burnout. It’s not about avoiding growth, it’s about maximizing potential where it counts.

Why Is It Smart to Invest in Strengths?

Enhanced Well-Being and Resilience: Studies in positive psychology show that using strengths regularly is associated with increased happiness, resilience, and satisfaction. When we operate in our areas of strength, we enter a state of “flow,” where work feels effortless and fulfilling
Improved Performance: Gallup research reveals that strengths-focused teams achieve 12.5% higher productivity and retain employees more effectively. Leaders who help their team members use their strengths can build trust and foster collaboration
Stronger Relationships: Focusing on strengths encourages collaboration rather than competition. It helps people appreciate their differences and recognize how diverse talents contribute to shared goals
Personal Growth Through Strengths: Strengths-based development isn’t about ignoring self-improvement, it’s about grounding growth in areas where you learn quickly and naturally excel. By doing so, you build confidence and momentum, which can then empower you to tackle challenges in weaker areas

The Misconception of Self-Grandiosity

Focusing on strengths doesn’t mean being arrogant or self-centred. Instead, it’s about acknowledging what you do well and using those abilities to make meaningful contributions. It’s about self-awareness, not self-absorption.

Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, emphasizes that strengths-based approaches foster authentic self-expression, which leads to a greater sense of purpose.

"This authenticity strengthens leadership, relationships, and overall life satisfaction."

How to Start Your Strengths Journey

Discover Your Talents: take Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment (ask me for an access code with a discount!)
Invest in Growth: strengths are developed through intentional practice and learning. As your coach I can parter with you to hone these abilities
Apply Your Strengths in Daily Life: Start incorporating your strengths into both your work and personal life. Whether you're navigating negotiations, having challenging conversations, resolving conflicts, leading change, or dealing with burnout, tapping into your unique strengths can make a significant difference.
Avoid trying to mimic someone else, be it a guru or a role model, as this approach rarely works. Success comes from being authentically you
Don’t Ignore Weaknesses: acknowledge areas of improvement, but focus on strategies to mitigate their impact rather than obsessively fixing them

Hi, I’m Monika, Strengths Coach, facilitator, social-profit organization leader, and photographer. I’m here to help you own your vision for meaningful growth and transformation, uncover your unique leadership strengths, and empower you and your team to thrive and create lasting impact. Passionate about driving change within, around, and beyond, I love supporting fellow change-makers on their journeys.

I hope you’ll visit often, and I look forward to connecting and working together!