Using Strengths as a Coach

Strengths coaching is about focusing on what others do well instead of fixating on their weaknesses.

One of the tools we use in Multiply Coaching with teams and individuals is the CliftonStrengths assessment. This is a way of helping people understand their talents and what they do best.

Recently Vicki was training a group of coaches on how to use CliftonStrengths for their clients.

We looked at how to talk over a client’s strengths with them, addressing what they like most about each of their top 5, and what they may need to look out for.

As we talked over different strengths, one person expressed that they didn’t understand where their communication strength fitted in.

They talked for a few minutes about the other strengths and told stories about how they saw them work together, but couldn’t understand where communication fitted in.

This is a great example of where we become so used to using our strengths that we don’t notice them.

This coach was using their communication to speak up & tell entertaining stories of where their other strengths worked. Their communication strengths was enhancing their other strengths and helping them speak up.

So how do you use your strengths? If you would like to find out more about the CliftonStrengths Assessment, using your strengths and developing them, contact office@multiplycoaching.com

As Gallup says:

• People who focus on using their strengths are three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life.

• Those who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged on the job.

• Teams that focus on their strengths are 12.5% more productive.

Staff Behaviour- Disagreement Policy

Do your staff know what to do if they have a disagreement or conflict with someone?

When I do conflict training with a team, I often encourage the team to put together a document covering what they agree to do if there is conflict or different ideas.

You see, conflict is inevitable. It is just a difference of opinions. How we react to conflict is the tricky bit. It can be really constructive if dealt with in a constructive manner.

Positives of Conflict:

One group I was working with recently discussed the positives of conflict and came up with the following list-

• Clarity

• Understanding (different positions, why it started, how to resolve it),

• no assumptions,

• a way forward, change,

• justice,

• strengthened relationships,

• honesty,

• better understanding,

• self-awareness,

• perspective,

• get to know the other person- what drives them,

• develops trust,

• creativity,

• energy,

• momentum.

We then discussed how to speak up in the right way and the right time, and listen well to others when they are speaking.

From here, we started to put together a policy on how we want to treat each other, especially when there is disagreement or conflict, what behaviours we want to see, and who we talk to.

For more information on conflict training, putting together a staff policy or team training, contact office@multiplycoaching.com

Volunteer’s Week

What a lovely email to receive! Langley House Trust has been changing lives for 65 years, and is a 'Top 5 government and non-profit inspiring workplace'.

We provide free coaching for them as their staff work so hard in supporting ex-offenders, so they can reintegrate into society, live crime free and thrive.

This results in safer communities, fewer victims and restored lives.

How can you and your business make a difference by volunteering?

Family Days

Corporate family days are a great way to invest in your staff, increase employee retention rate, promote your business and reduce conflict in your workplace.

Recently I was invited to the family day for Dowty Propellors and basked in the glorious sunshine as we enjoyed the generosity of the company in providing food, drinks and tours around the factory.

Thank you to Dowty Propellors for being such a forward looking company and I would encourage others to do the same.