Oct 22 2009
Practising Strength-Based Leadership
I’m not a born leader. I often think I’m better off as an adviser to a leader, rather than being a leader myself. But there are situations in life which put us in the position of leadership. So I have no choice but to learn to lead as well.
In learning to be a leader, I subscribe to strength-based leadership, among other practices. It means to focus on other people’s strengths, instead of weaknesses, in leading and coaching them. Instead of spotting their mistakes, we try to spot their plus points and encourage them accordingly.
Since we will see what we focus on, so by strength-based leadership we will seek to discover and reward the good points in others. Hopefully, their confidence and morale will increase and will produce even better work and be better team members.
Generally speaking, it has worked out quite well so far. However, my trial is not without problems. But these are not problems with strength-based leadership. They are my problems.
In focusing on strengths, I tend to overlook their weaknesses. As a result, when a team member does not do his or her job well, I tend to brush it aside and not confront the member so that he or she can do better next time.
In focusing on strengths, I also tend to inflate a member’s ability. If I find someone capable of doing something, I am inclined to consider he or she good in other areas as well. However, such assumption can prove to be wrong. At least once recently.
Also, when a member really does something wrong, I tend to give him or her benefits of doubt. This maybe alright. But I even try to rationalize and explain away his or her mistake. Seems like I’m not facing the reality.
When I spot a member doing something obviously wrong, I also tend to avoid conflicts in order to maintain our relationship. I guess this is related to my tendency to be a nice guy. It may be OK for a short-term team or project. But it will not bring any benefit if we are together for long term, to the well being of both the team and the member.
I still want to adopt strength-based leadership in life, but perhaps with some adjustments and corrections. Any feedback?
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