#10 Developing & Leveraging Your Strengths

As you continue to build your management skills, it is important to recognise the unique qualities that set you apart. In this chapter, we will explore the art of developing and leveraging your strengths – those inherent talents and capabilities that define your individuality as a manager. By embracing and understanding your strengths, you hold the key to unlocking untapped potential within yourself and your team. This chapter will encourage self-reflection and discover how to harness your strengths to lead with authenticity and proficiency.

What do we mean by strengths?

Strengths are not mere skills acquired through training or experience; they are inherent talents or abilities that reside within you, waiting to be recognised and harnessed. These strengths are what make you unique and enable you to excel in particular areas naturally.

Self-reflection and assessment are essential. Taking the time to introspect and understand your innate abilities will provide invaluable insights into your leadership potential. Engaging in this process allows you to uncover your most potent skills, enabling you to leverage them effectively in your managerial role.

One effective approach to identifying your strengths is through the use of tools like StrengthsFinder as discussed in Chapter 2. Such assessment tools can help you pinpoint your top strengths by asking thought-provoking questions and analysing your responses. It provides a structured way to understand your dominant talents and how they manifest in your actions and decisions as a leader.

Apart from formal assessment tools, self-assessment exercises can also aid in recognising your strengths. Reflect on past experiences, successes, and moments when you felt most confident and accomplished in your management role. Consider the tasks or challenges that come naturally to you, and the areas where you receive positive feedback from colleagues and other team members. These reflections can offer valuable clues about your innate strengths.

Moreover, seeking feedback from colleagues and team members can provide a broader perspective on your strengths. They may observe strengths in you that you might not have recognised yourself. Constructive feedback can offer valuable insights and give you a more comprehensive understanding of your leadership qualities.

Remember, identifying your strengths is not about boasting or comparing yourself with others; rather, it is about embracing your individuality and recognising the unique value you bring to the table. Once you grasp the essence of your strengths, you can harness them to build a more authentic and impactful management style.

Embracing Individuality

As a Line Manager, it is important to recognise and embrace the notion that each leader possesses a unique set of strengths and capabilities. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, and attempting to conform to a generic leadership style can stifle your true potential as a manager. Embracing your individuality and celebrating your distinctive strengths will empower you to lead authentically and make a lasting impact on your team.

Embracing your individuality as a manager begins with acknowledging that authenticity in leadership is powerful. Rather than attempting to mimic the traits of other successful leaders, focus on understanding your core values, beliefs, and strengths. When you lead authentically, your team members will sense your genuineness, and this will more likely lead to you gaining their respect. Your authenticity will also encourage others to be true to themselves as well.

Playing to your strengths

Each manager's distinct strengths offer a competitive advantage in specific areas of leadership. By recognising your unique talents and abilities, you can strategically allocate tasks and responsibilities within your team. Leveraging your strengths effectively allows you to focus on what you do best, ultimately leading to improved performance and efficiency in your managerial role.

Building self-confidence

Embracing your individuality and understanding the value of your strengths can significantly boost your self-confidence as a leader. When you have confidence in your abilities, you are more likely to take calculated risks, make well-informed decisions, and inspire your team to follow your lead. This self-assurance is contagious and can inspire your team members to excel in their roles as well.

Encouraging a supportive culture

As a line manager who embraces individuality, you set a positive example for your team. Encourage your team members to explore and leverage their strengths fully. Create an environment where everyone feels valued for their unique contributions. This supportive culture not only boosts employee morale but also cultivates a sense of ownership and commitment among your team members.

Remember, the most successful leaders are those who remain true to themselves while continuously growing and evolving to meet the challenges of the ever-changing business landscape. So, be yourself and lead with purpose.

Aligning Strengths to Your Role

One of the key principles for effective management is aligning your unique strengths with the specific requirements of your role as a Line Manager. Understanding how to leverage your strengths in various aspects of leadership can significantly enhance your performance and the overall success of your team. In the following examples of this, we will explore how you can use your strengths to improve typical managerial tasks.

Communication style

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership. As a manager, understanding your communication strengths allows you to tailor your messages to resonate with your team members. If you possess strong interpersonal skills, you can connect with individuals on a deeper level. If your strength lies in articulating complex ideas, you can convey information clearly and concisely, preventing misunderstandings. This self-reflection can also highlight your weaknesses providing you with the opportunity to manage communication by delegating to somebody else if they can present the information in a more appropriate way, at least until such time that you have developed better forms of communication yourself. Sometimes this takes practice!

Decision-making

As we have already seen in a previous chapter, decision-making is an important aspect of managerial responsibility. Leaders with strengths in analytical thinking can excel in data-driven decisions, thoroughly assessing risks and benefits. On the other hand, those with intuitive strengths might rely on their instincts to make swift and strategic choices. Understanding your decision-making strengths enables you to adopt an approach that aligns with your natural inclinations, leading to more confident and impactful decisions.

Problem-solving

Different strengths offer unique problem-solving approaches. For instance, individuals strong in creativity may generate innovative solutions to complex challenges, while those with strengths in logical reasoning might excel at methodical and systematic troubleshooting. Understanding your problem-solving strengths empowers you to know which problems to tackle yourself and which would benefit from the input of others on your team.

Adapting your leadership style

Leadership is not a one-dimensional role, and different situations may require different leadership styles. Understanding your strengths allows you to adapt your leadership approach accordingly. For instance, you may display a more directive style when quick decisions are required, or a more participative style when seeking input from team members. Being aware of your strengths helps you be flexible in your leadership approach to suit the needs of your team and organisation.

Overcoming Weaknesses

It is important to recognise that you will not be strong in all aspects of delivering as a Line Manager. Acknowledging and addressing weaknesses is an essential step toward becoming a well-rounded and effective manager. It is important therefore to explore strategies to overcome weaknesses and ensure that they do not hinder your ability to lead and achieve success.

Embrace self-awareness

As already discussed, the first step in overcoming weaknesses is to develop self-awareness. Reflect on your managerial experiences and seek feedback from colleagues and team members. Identify areas where you face challenges or receive consistent feedback on areas for improvement. Accepting constructive criticism with an open mind allows you to gain insights into your weaknesses and opens the path for growth.

Prioritise weaknesses to address

You may discover several weaknesses during your self-assessment. However, attempting to tackle all of them simultaneously can be overwhelming. You should prioritise the weaknesses that have the most significant impact on your role as a manager. By addressing key weaknesses, you can gradually build a solid foundation for further improvement.

Seek support from others

You don't have to face your weaknesses alone. Reach out to team members or colleagues who possess strengths in areas where you may struggle. Collaborating with others who complement your weaknesses creates a synergy that enhances overall team performance. Encourage open communication and feedback within your team, this will create a culture where everyone can contribute their unique talents.

Training and skill development

You should consider investing in training or skill development programs to improve in areas where you face challenges. Whether it's attending workshops, enrolling in online courses, or seeking mentorship, continuous learning can help you acquire the necessary skills to mitigate weaknesses effectively.

Delegate wisely

We discuss delegation in chapter 6, this is a powerful tool for addressing weaknesses. You can assign tasks to team members whose strengths align with the challenges you encounter. Delegating tasks to capable individuals not only ensures that the work gets done effectively but also allows you to focus on areas where your strengths shine, contributing to overall team productivity.

Focus on improving rather than eliminating

Remember, nobody is perfect! It is essential to understand that you may not completely eliminate all of your weaknesses, but you can certainly improve upon them. Set realistic goals for improvement and measure your progress regularly. Celebrate your achievements and acknowledge the efforts you put into self-improvement, even if the progress is incremental and some mistakes are made along the way.

Practice empathy and humility

Acknowledge that weaknesses are a part of being human, and every manager faces challenges. Practice empathy and humility, not just with yourself but also with your team members. When you demonstrate humility, your team will feel more comfortable sharing their own challenges and working collectively to support each other's growth.

How to Remain Strong in Challenging Situations

According to an article in the Harvard Business Review published in 2022, there are three strategies that Line Managers should adopt when needing to lead their team through difficult times:

Beware of your ego - Leaders must be aware of their ego, as an inflated ego can lead to poor decisions and a narrow perspective. By keeping their ego in check, leaders can be more agile and open to learning from mistakes.
Choose courage over comfort - Leaders should embrace courage to overcome fear and discomfort. Making difficult decisions and stepping out of their comfort zones enables leaders to move forward and prioritise the well-being of their teams, even in challenging situations.
Practice caring transparency - Being transparent and open about ideas and thoughts encourages trust and alignment within the team. Caring transparency helps leaders connect with their employees and drives positive outcomes, such as improved job satisfaction and reduced burnout.

The article provides real-life examples, such as the CEO of Morgan Stanley admitting his mistake publicly, and the CEO of Avanade making tough decisions to protect jobs during the pandemic. It highlights the importance of vulnerability and human connection in leadership, as leaders who share their humanity and are transparent with their teams can create a positive and supportive work environment. By practicing self-care and embracing these strategies, leaders can navigate uncertainty and lead effectively in challenging times.

Mental health is a particular area of concern for organisations today and when times become difficult, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to continue to achieve. Often the Line Manager feels pressure from both the top and bottom with very little support to turn to for guidance or help. One of our strengths is to recognise when we are under pressure and to apply some self-care, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness and all the other things we looked at in Chapter 8.

One of the greatest risks to business is losing a manager to burnout as a result of having not provided the safe space to come forward about how they are coping at any given time. We all have a responsibility and owe it to ourselves to practice self-care, and when times are difficult, our greatest strength comes from being transparent about when pressure it too high so that others have an opportunity to step in and help as appropriate.

Line Managers can leverage their strengths to get things done in the most effective way – they can also leverage their strengths to avoid catastrophe if carrying on (without help) will ultimately lead to a worse performance in the long-term.

Here are some practical examples of when a Line Manager might recognise that their greatest strength is recognising they need help:

1. Managing a Complex Project

A line manager may be overseeing a large and complex project that requires coordination across multiple teams and departments. Despite their expertise in certain areas, they may realise that they need help from subject matter experts or project management specialists to ensure the project's success. Recognising this need, they can delegate tasks, seek input from team members, and collaborate with experts to effectively navigate the complexities of the project.

2. Handling Conflict within the Team

Conflict can arise among team members, and a line manager may find themselves facing a challenging situation where emotions are running high. Acknowledging that conflict resolution may not be their greatest strength, they can seek assistance from HR professionals or team-building facilitators to mediate and address the issues constructively.

3. Making Strategic Decisions

Strategic decision-making requires considering various factors and potential outcomes. A line manager may recognise that they need help in analysing data or assessing market trends to make well-informed decisions. They can consult with data analysts, market researchers, or other experts to gather relevant information and insights.

4. Balancing Workload and Prioritisation

In a fast-paced work environment, a line manager may face challenges in managing their workload and prioritising tasks effectively. Realising that they need assistance with time management and work-life balance, they may engage in time management training or seek guidance from mentors or coaches to improve their organisational skills.

5. Adapting to Change and Uncertainty

Uncertain times can be challenging for both the team and the line manager. When faced with unexpected changes or uncertainties, a line manager may recognise their need for support in managing stress. They can participate in resilience training, seek counselling, or collaborate with organisational development specialists to help their team navigate through change successfully.

6. Developing Leadership Skills

Even experienced line managers may feel the need to enhance their leadership skills further. They can identify their strengths and areas for improvement through self-assessment or 360-degree feedback. Recognising the value of ongoing development, they may enrol in leadership development programs, workshops, or executive coaching to become even more effective in their role.

7. Supporting Employee Well-being

Employee well-being is crucial for team productivity and morale. A line manager may recognise that they need help in identifying signs of employee burnout or mental health challenges. By partnering with HR professionals or wellness experts, they can implement effective employee support programs and create a workplace culture that prioritises well-being.

In each of these scenarios, recognising the need for help demonstrates the line manager's self-awareness and humility. Embracing the strength of seeking assistance and acknowledging limitations allows them to build a stronger and more effective team, creating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. It also exemplifies a leadership approach that values the collective expertise of the organisation and empowers the team to succeed together.

Key Takeaways:

Recognise that strengths are inherent talents and abilities that drive your success as a line manager. Engage in self-reflection and assessment to identify your unique strengths using tools like StrengthsFinder or seeking feedback from colleagues.
Acknowledge that each manager has distinct strengths, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Focus on leveraging your unique strengths rather than conforming to a generic leadership style.
Recognise the significance of aligning strengths with the requirements of your management role. Leverage your specific strengths to excel in tasks related to communication, decision-making, problem-solving, team building, and more.
Accept that everyone has weaknesses and addressing them is important for personal and professional growth. Mitigate or compensate for weaknesses by seeking support from team members with complementary strengths, investing in skill development, and delegating tasks wisely.
Develop emotional intelligence to manage stress and decision-making effectively. Choose courage over comfort, recognising the value of vulnerability in leadership.
As a line manager, self-care is essential for maintaining well-being and resilience. Prioritise rest, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Seek support and manage time effectively to avoid burnout and foster a positive work-life balance.
Acknowledge that seeking help is a valuable strength for effective leadership. Identify situations where you may need assistance, whether in managing complex projects, handling conflicts, making strategic decisions, or supporting employee well-being.

By understanding and leveraging your strengths, embracing your individuality, and prioritising self-care, you can become a more effective and resilient line manager. Building a strengths-based team and recognising the value of seeking help when needed contributes to creating a positive and successful work environment. Remaining strong in challenging situations and practicing caring transparency fosters trust within the team, ultimately leading to improved team performance and well-being. As you continue to develop your management skills, remember that self-awareness, humility, and continuous growth are the cornerstones of exceptional leadership.