Surprising Strengths:The Power of Strength-Based Insights for Gen Z
“I can tell you all my weaknesses but couldn’t tell you a strength”
There’s this really nifty trait us humans have of being able to see the negatives with such clarity and I guess it’s evolutionary to keep us safe, but it really gets in the way of being able to see just how great we are.
This was so obvious to me this week as I sat in a 1:1 Coaching session with one of our client’s grads. We were chatting about her experience so far with the mentoring program we’re facilitating and how she has found the first connections with her mentor and the learning in the program.
Now for context about week 3 of our mentoring programs the grads are invited to complete their strengths profile with our wonderful partner’s at Cappfinity - Strengths Profile.
So I asked the grad were they surprised to learn about their strength, or did they already see it as one.
To my surprise they shared that usually can’t really see any strengths, but can see plenty of weaknesses they need to work on. Finding out that listening was a top strength they were able to reflect and see where that was showing up in their day to day, both personally and professionally and they were able to acknowledge this within themselves.
Dream it
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Dream it 〰️
This is why we love advocating for a strengths based approach as part of our mentoring program.
By focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses we can:
Boosts Confidence and Engagement: When Gen Zers are encouraged to identify and develop their strengths, it enhances their confidence and engagement. They are more likely to feel valued and motivated, leading to increased productivity and creativity.
Encourages Innovation: Gen Z's comfort with technology and digital tools means they are often adept at finding innovative solutions to problems. By focusing on their strengths in these areas, organisations can build a culture of innovation and adaptability.
Enhances Collaboration: Recognising diverse strengths within a team can improve collaboration. Gen Z values diversity and inclusion, and understanding their unique contributions can help create more connected and effective teams.
It can be really helpful for leaders to be aware of their grads unique strengths so they can coach them on how to lean into them in their work, boost engagement and make them feel seen and understood as they navigate their new workplace.
