Q&A Time: The Goods’ Lisa Labute Speaks to the Benefits of CliftonStrengths Training
A Modern Way To Work has always been a strengths-based organization because we firmly believe that discovering and developing every professional’s unique talent DNA makes for a happier, healthier workplace.
Much of the training we do with our clients, in fact, revolves around Gallup’s CliftonStrengths (formerly Clifton StrengthsFinder). Developed by psychologist and educator Don Clifton over many years, CliftonStrengths is about focusing on what’s right with people (as opposed to what’s wrong) so they can maximize their potential and live their best lives every day.
CliftonStrengths themes and tools don’t just explain how each of us naturally thinks, feels, and behaves. They help rank our distinct qualities in a way that lets leaders and employees alike use them to become more engaged and productive.
One of our clients recently took the time to share how her team has benefited from working strengths-based knowledge and insights into their culture.
Here’s what Lisa Labute, founder of Toronto-based vegan restaurant The Goods, had to say about her experience with our CliftonStrengths training.
AMWTW: BEFORE WE DIVE IN, PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR OWN CLIFTONSTRENGTHS. WHAT HAVE THEY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
LL: My top 5 strengths are Connectedness, Strategic, Empathy, Input, and Adaptability. At this point in my life and career, I can’t say there were any big surprises there. But having my personal strengths validated reaffirmed what I knew and gave me a stronger foundation for building up my confidence as a leader. CliftonStrengths essentially reminded me of what I’m naturally good at - and where I need support from the team.
AMWTW: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO ROLL OUT STRENGTHS-BASED TRAINING ACROSS THE GOODS?
LL: Considering that my own top strengths are in two buckets - three in Relationship, and two in Strategy - I was very curious to see how the rest of the team’s strengths would play out. As it happens, there’s something to be said for the adage that like attracts like, because almost all of us are heavy on Relationship and Strategy. At the same time however, there’s still quite a lot of variety among us. And we’ve been able to leverage that diversity in terms of how we perform as a team.
AMWTW: SO, YOU’D ULTIMATELY SAY THAT YOUR TEAM HAS BENEFITED FROM THEIR WORK WITH CLIFTONSTRENGTHS?
LL: Absolutely! We found that doing CliftonStrengths, having AMWTW in for a team development session - and even compiling individual strengths-based podcast playlists for team members - has generated a great deal of clarity, to say the least. It’s been hugely beneficial, for example, in helping each of us to understand our own personal work styles and interests while also recognizing one another’s personalities. And it’s made us appreciate how all that plays into our team dynamics.
AMWTW: WHY DID YOU RECENTLY ATTEND AMWTW’S LEADING WITH STRENGTHS WORKSHOP - AND WHAT WAS THE BEST PART FOR YOU PERSONALLY?
LL: Since it had been a couple of years since I took the Modern Manager course with AMWTW, I felt like I could use both a refresher and a little inspiration! Without a doubt, the best part of the workshop for me was the way it reignited my enthusiasm for leading a strengths-based organization and brought it all rushing back with energy and passion.
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Are you a business owner or people manager looking to improve yourself and empower the people you lead?
AMWTW workshops are specifically designed to help individuals build a greater sense of their own strengths, while giving team members a common tool for resolving conflict and working better together.
If you’d like to find out more about what managers can do to create positive change and truly impact business for the better, feel free to reach out to our team.
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