From Fixing Weaknesses to Activating Strengths

At StrengthsTrail, we often see leaders putting immense pressure on themselves (and even others) to fix what they’re not good at. They dive into development plans, try to “close gaps,” and spend endless hours problem-solving the weakness areas of their teams. They may even decide to performance manage or terminate someone who is unable to perform or doesn’t fit with their team. 

But we know the real transformation doesn’t come from fixing. It comes from focusing, specifically on what already works. When leaders (and their teams) start leaning into what they naturally do best, everything shifts.

When strengths are activated, confidence grows and people stop pretending to be someone they aren’t. Performance improves, because they’re working in flow, where things feel easier and more instinctive. Finally teams thrive as energy and focus are contagious, and everyone starts to feed off the momentum.

It’s a subtle but powerful mindset shift: from deficit-thinking (“how do I fix this? or why can’t I do this?”) to strength-building (“how can I use what’s already strong? or “how can I use my talent at the right time, in the right way?”).

One reflection we often leave clients with is this: What’s one strength you could lean on more this week to make things easier, not harder?

Because potential isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing more of the right things, in the right way, using your unique strengths. That’s where confidence, energy, and impact truly grow.

What are you waiting for? Join Us on the Trail now….

#StrengthsTrail #LeadershipDevelopment #StrengthsBasedLeadership