If you’ve met me, worked with me, or even just followed this blog for a time, you probably know that I passionately believe that developing and using our strengths has a powerful positive impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.

But if you’re new to the idea of strengths-based living, or you just haven’t really thought about your strengths in a while, I thought it might be helpful if I shared the top reasons and ways I use my strengths.  

The Four E’s

When I became a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, I learned about the four “E’s” – outcomes that result from developing talents into strengths.  When people operate in the “strengths zone” they find more enjoyment, excellence, ease, and energy.  Sign me up for all of those!

As I’ve lived into my own strengths and worked with clients to help them develop theirs, I’ve come to realize that these four E’s are more than just outcomes of using strengths.  I think they translate into reasons to use our strengths and even strategies for doing so.

When I think about how and why I intentionally use my strengths, the top answers fall into these four categories.

Enjoyment

Sure, there are some things in our lives and work that we don’t enjoy doing.  And we can’t always outsource or ignore those tasks.  But there are usually many things that we do have some choice in.  Why not choose those things that will bring us greater enjoyment?

Oftentimes, we know what we enjoy and what we don’t.  But do we know why?  Talents – our natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving – are at the heart of it.  Using our natural talents brings us deep enjoyment.

When choosing projects, tasks, or jobs, it’s important to ask, “What aligns with my strengths?”  And when considering the answers to that question, it’s critical to consider not only what you’re good at, but also what brings enjoyment.  There are any number of things that you might be good at and have an aptitude for, but that don’t necessarily bring you true enjoyment.  

I had a recent experience that brought this into focus for me.  I had the privilege of facilitating a small group of people through an intense “immersion track” at a conference.  The content was the same content that I packaged into the Real Life Refresh program I offered a few months ago.  But in Real Life Refresh, that content was delivered primarily through video trainings.  Through the “immersion” experience, I realized that I more deeply enjoyed the experience of delivering that content and leading people through that process in person. 

I can teach very well via video modules.  But my high Individualization and Relator talents help me find much more enjoyment in working with people in a more face-to-face setting (in person or virtual).  That clarification helps me choose future projects and make meaningful changes to services I offer.

What tasks or projects – or what aspects of certain tasks – do you deeply enjoy?  How can you arrange to do more of those things?

Excellence

Developing our talents (those natural patterns and tendencies) into strengths means that we are applying those talents to specific tasks to produce a positive outcome with near-perfect performance.

Said more simply:  We perform with excellence when we’re using our strengths.

For me, writing a regular blog is an example of using strengths to choose a strategy in which I can work with excellence.  Most business experts will affirm that communicating regularly with your audience is critically important.  And while they typically offer many possible strategies (blog, podcast, live video, etc.), usually “the experts” strongly recommend podcasts or live video.  (And I agree that there are some good reasons for this.)

But my strengths are better suited for blog writing.  I have high Deliberative, Intellection, Input, and Relator.  I need time to think, to ponder, to consider multiple perspectives, and to craft a personal message that connects with you.  I write.  And I re-write.  A podcast just doesn’t fit with those particular strengths as well.

So while I acknowledge the power of audio and video communication, I have to lean into the strategy that allows me to operate with excellence.  (Even if it’s different than what others would choose.)

Which projects or tasks will give you the chance to excel?  When working towards a goal, what strategies will best allow your strengths to shine?

Ease

I have a bad habit of sometimes making things harder than they need to be.  Luckily, my training in using a strengths-based approach helps me remember to look for the ease.

Ease is another hallmark of operating in the “strengths zone” and it’s a pretty good reason for leaning into our strengths.  

How do we do this?

By asking, “What strengths do I have that can help me accomplish this?”

When I’m facing a challenging project, I try to maximize my chance of success by identifying the strengths that I can lean into in order to accomplish that project.

There’s much more on this strategy in my blog on “Aiming Your Strengths,” so be sure to check it out.  I think you’ll love the visual suggestion of how to aim your strengths at a challenge.

What’s a challenge you’re currently facing?  What strengths could you leverage to make it easier?

Energy 

Last, but definitely not least:  Using our strengths brings us energy.  When we’re doing the things that we’re wired to do, we get recharged.  

So when I need a pick-me-up, I pause to consider, which of my talents needs to be charged?  When I’m feeling drained, I usually I find that I’m overusing some of my talents and neglecting others.

This past winter, I was hard at work on a new and challenging project, which my Achiever and Input themes greatly appreciated!  However, my relationship building themes like Individualization and Relator were sidelined for an extended period of time.  After that project eased up, I noticed that I wasn’t feeling quite myself.  

It wasn’t just that I was tired from working hard… I was feeling out of balance and worn out because I hadn’t been “charging” all of my top talents.  

Once I realized the source of the energy drain, I could take steps to address it by connecting with individuals in deep and meaningful ways – personally and professionally.  

Which of your talents hasn’t been able to shine lately?  How might you intentionally use it more and allow it to charge you up?

How Will YOU Use Your Strengths?

I’m hoping the framework of the four E’s and my own examples are helpful prompts for you to consider how you can use your strengths more.  

As you consider your life and your work, how can you leverage your natural talents to bring you more enjoyment, excellence, ease, and energy?

I’d love to hear what small steps you now see that you can take, so hit reply to let me know!  

And if you’re still feeling a bit stuck about how you can align with your strengths more, reach out for a conversation about coaching.  Sometimes we need a partner to help us see things from a fresh perspective and explore new possibilities.  That kind of work plays right into my strengths, and I’d love to use those to help you play into yours!

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