Start with What’s Already Right About You

How do you feel when you receive negative feedback and are asked to improve a weakness?

Even when you work hard to address it, did it lead to real success? Or did it leave you feeling frustrated, drained, or somehow… not quite yourself?

The hidden power of strengths

What if the problem isn't you, but where your energy is going? Focusing on what's "wrong" with us often overshadows what's already strong. This kind of focus rarely leads to joy, motivation, or meaningful progress. Yet most of us have been taught to fix our weaknesses instead of investing in our potential.

As a coach and facilitator, I often hear, "What about our weaknesses?" But the better question is: what's working? Why is it working? What are we doing that brings meaning and impact? How can we do more of it to drive even greater results, influence, and motivation?

So here's a different question: what if you used one of your strengths to respond to feedback, by investing even more in what you already do well? That shift could change everything.

Most of us overlook our strengths

We all have natural talents — ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that come effortlessly. When we use these strengths intentionally, we don't just feel more energised; we also perform better, build stronger relationships, and find greater meaning in our work.

Yet here's the paradox: most of us spend more time trying to fix our weaknesses than nurturing our strengths. Maybe you've been focused on correcting negative feedback instead of building on what's already working. You might be trying to prove yourself instead of simply being yourself.

But here's the truth: you'll never become extraordinary by focusing only on what drains you. Weaknesses are best managed — not where your energy belongs. When you invest in your strengths, everything changes. It's time to flip the script.

Three simple activities to activate your strengths

Name it, claim it, aim it. Write down three moments when you felt energised, engaged, or proud. What were you doing? What strengths were you using? Then ask yourself: how can I use this strength more intentionally this week?

Strengths spotting with a colleague. Pair up with a colleague and exchange positive feedback. Share what you see as their top two or three strengths, with specific examples. This exercise builds self-awareness, appreciation, and trust.

Strengths journal. At the end of each day, jot down one moment when you used a strength, big or small. Over time, you'll see patterns emerge and gain powerful insights into how you work best.

Start small. Choose just one activity this week and notice the shift in your energy, confidence, and impact. When we lead with our strengths, we lead with authenticity.

Investing in your strengths

Taking this approach can lead to profound change, both professionally and personally. When feedback is filtered through what's already working rather than what's broken, growth follows more naturally — and it lasts.

Do you want support identifying your strengths, or helping your team unlock theirs? I'd love to help.

"True success isn't about doing more — it's about becoming more of who you already are." — Charlotte Søndergaard