A strength is not simply an activity we are good at. For example, while someone may be very good at performing administrative tasks, they may not enjoy them, procrastinate on them, and feel drained after performing them. This is not a true strength for that person. According to Marcus Buckingham (check out his book, “Go Put Your Strengths to Work” – many clients find this resource extremely helpful!), a true strength is an activity that you: perform consistently and very well, look forward to, immerses you, energizes you, feels authentic and satisfying, and leads you to want to learn more about it and look for ways to do more of it. Strengths also can be context specific. For example, maybe someone likes teaching college students who want to learn more about a subject outside the course syllabus, but dislikes teaching high school students who just want to know what’s going to be on the test so they can get a passing grade.

Also, consider the true strengths of your teammates, business partners, and/or direct reports. Where do your strengths complement one other? How might you redistribute tasks and activities in a way that plays to each person’s strengths to some degree? If you are a sole proprietor, how might you prioritize which services you outsource? For example, Dave (my husband and business partner) is good at and enjoys working with numbers. With him performing the majority of budgeting, bookkeeping, and accounting tasks, I am able to focus more of my time and energy on the coaching and consulting side of our business. And we are both performing better and feel more energized and fulfilled for dividing and conquering the tasks this way.

What are your true strengths? How might you increase the amount of time you spend performing them?