Coaching from a Strengths Perspective
Why Coaching?
You do not need to ‘change’, you simply need to be better at being you.
Strength Based Coaching is based on the premise that it’s better to draw out what is natural in you, rather than try to ‘top up’ what might be missing. You are unique and valuing that uniqueness is important. It allows you to be intentional when applying your natural talents. Intentionally applying these ideals provides the deep practice that assist in developing your mature Strengths.
Innate Talent + Skills + Knowledge = Strength
We define an innate talent as your natural patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour. Basically, how you think and feel reflects on how you act. Therefore, when we develop our mental and emotional fitness we greatly increase the chances of success. Remember, there are over 33 million combinations of these talent patterns, so you are definitely unique.
Points to Remember
Ask yourself, what am I already doing well and how can I replicate that.
Develop what is going well. Focusing on what you can do is more productive than struggling against what you can’t.
Focusing on Strength does not mean forgetting weakness. Instead it means acknowledging your weaknesses and then managing them in a resourceful way.
Note: A weakness is something that gets in the way of your (or someone else’s) success.
If something is not working, consider how it ‘could’ work. Look at your innate talents, choose the outcome you want and then consider how you can apply what you do well to achieve that outcome. Sometimes this may mean partnering with someone else, other times it may mean applying your talents in a novel way. The key is to be intentionally focused on the outcome.
Remember, every talent theme has an ability, a liability, a power and a vulnerability. When we are in flow, we’re in the penthouse, but when fear, hurt or pride is involved, we may find ourselves in the outhouse.
When working with others, if we want what they ‘bring’, we need to provide what they need.
Mapping Your Success from Raw Talent to Mature Strength
We’re born with raw talent. As we consciously apply knowledge and skills, our raw talents become mature strengths. We develop in character and ability. It is your choice how you plan to use your talents.
Some people choose to do nothing. Their talents remain buried, locked beneath ego, blame and shame.
However, you can choose a different path. You can choose to use your talents key to unlock your Strengths. Add a mindful compass and you have a technique to navigate life’s challenges.
Combining your innate talents with mindful awareness of thoughts and emotions, and an intentional awareness of the language you use, are tools for increasing well-being. You build an understanding of your conscious and unconscious mind that nurtures connection.
Are you ready to strengthen your own mind? Will you be the person who understands your own thoughts, emotions and behaviours?
The Next Step...
If you haven’t already done so, is complete the Clifton StrengthsFinder online assessment. If you are completing this program with a coach, you should have been given an access code. If you haven’t received one, please contact your coach before moving onto the next section.
If you are attempting this program alone, we recommend you completing this assessment.
There is an additional fee, however this is charged by Gallup, an external company not affiliated with CYC. You can continue on without completing it, however without knowing your talent patterns it may challenge your understanding of some of the content.
You will need around 30 mins of uninterrupted time to complete the survey, there are no right or wrong answers. You may want to use a laptop or PC as it is easier to read than on a mobile. Ensure you have a secure internet connection.
The questions are designed to interpret your natural patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour and you will receive your results upon completion. Initially they will ask for personal details, and as it is mainly designed for employees, will ask for company details. You may leave this blank.
The questions use a likert scale, with a range of options ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. It is best to go with your initial instinct. You may find some questions challenging, or they don’t relate to you. In this case, simply click the neutral option.
Each question allows around 20 seconds to answer. Remember, if you are unsure how to answer, or you agree or disagree with both ranges and time runs out – that is still an answer. Trust that many people miss a couple of questions and that is okay.
Once complete, you will receive your results. There is a wealth of information you may access. If you have time read through what you wish. You will need to download your Insight Guide and the Action Plan for future use.
Click below to access the Gallup website.
Daily Intentions
Today is the day you bring all of your learnings together and share them with others. Combine every topic from conscious competence, to focus, to using empowering language, understanding your purpose, developing stronger habits, and how you learn and practice, and tie it all together and share your new knowledge with someone else. Coach. Coach someone you know in each of these topics and strengthen your understanding and embed them into your consciousness. Begin by asking yourself these three questions
Coach with Awareness and Purpose: How will I approach each interaction with intention, aligning my words and actions with my purpose to guide others toward their goals.
Model Empowering Habits and Focus: How will I demonstrate focus, consistency, and empowering language, setting an example that inspires others to develop positive habits and stay committed to their growth.
Learn, Practice, and Share to Elevate Others: How will I continuously learn new coaching techniques, apply them, and share insights to help others unlock their potential and strengthen their confidence.
Reflective Questions
Here are three reflective questions designed for you to assess how you applied, shared, and coached others using your knowledge of awareness, focus, language, purpose, habits, and learning:
- How did I use my knowledge and skills today to guide and support someone else?
- What example did I set through my focus, habits, and language, and how did it impact others?
- How did teaching or coaching someone else deepen my own understanding and growth?
Congratulations
Congratulations on completing the 7-Day Challenge to unlock your potential! You’re now ready to begin your first strengths coaching session. And remember – the challenge doesn’t have to stop here. Feel free to start it all over again whenever you need a boost.
As you enter Week 2 of this program, you’ll find that many of the techniques from the challenge will continue to support your growth. If you’re working with a coach, make sure you’ve booked your initial strengths coaching session.
For those of you continuing solo, remember – you’ll get even more out of this journey with a workbook to guide you through the upcoming activities and exercises. Simply contact us today to purchase your copy.
Apart from that, best of luck on your journey! Many participants have told us the next section is their favourite. Simply click Week 2 to continue.
Wellbeing Check
The importance of completing your wellbeing check today encompass everything you have learned and implemented over the past 7 days. By asking yourself the following positive, empowering questions you are awakening your unconscious mind to unlock your potential. This is the beginning of something wonderful.
Click below to complete today’s Wellbeing Check:
Well done today, you will thoroughly enjoy Week 2, where you will learn to Name Your Strengths.
Progress Tracker