The strengths-based approach, where managers work with employees to identify how they naturally think, feel and behave as a way to increase engagement, continues to receive positive accolades.
Recent research from the VIA Institute on Character suggests that employees want to focus on their strengths, and as a result organizations who focus on strengths will reap benefits including better employee engagement.
Are you ready to implement the strengths-based approach at your company, but aren’t sure where to start? Let us help you with this easy five-step approach:
Step one: Strengths, Spinach and Kryptonite
Take our free, 15-minute online course on Bridge:Strengths, Spinach and Kryptonite. Through this course, you’ll learn how the strengths-based approach can improve employee engagement and ways to implement the approach at any company.
Step two: Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment
Take the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment and get your Signature theme report identifying your top five strengths. By taking the assessment, you’ll also have access to numerous resources including the “Strengths Insight Guide” that will provide a better understanding of your strengths.
Step three: employee buy-in
Any time companies introduce new initiatives or training courses, part of the plan should include employee communication — the what, when and why. Explain things in an easy-to-understand way, and provide some examples of how the training is going to improve the company.
Step four: 1, 2, 3 team
Once you know your strengths, you’ll be able to help co-workers know and understand their individual strengths. Team and department meetings should be arranged to allow others to openly share strengths to determine the best way everyone can work together to be more effective and efficient.
Step five: keep going
Continue communication with employees on a regular basis and keep strengths top of mind. For example, at Gallup employees list their top five strengths outside the door of their office, in email signatures and on the company intranet.
Encourage team members to communicate with each other about strengths and how each individual can contribute to the greater good of the company. Employees who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged on the job.
Still need some help implementing the strengths-based approach? Gallup offers resources for companies of all sizes. After you’ve reviewed that information, start at step one and take the free, 15-minute online course on Bridge: Strengths, Spinach and Kryptonite.
Melissa Loble
VP of Partners and Programs
