I took Clifton Strengths for my own personal development almost 20 years ago, and I realize now it was transformational for my career, and the businesses I led. It not only helped me recognize what I do best and how my strengths set me apart, but it also allowed me to better understand other people’s strengths and how to work more effectively as both a team member and leader. As I embarked on this journey, I became more aware of what motivated me and how I could use my strengths more intentionally, while staying mindful of where I needed to grow.

I brought this learning to my team and quickly realized how Clifton Strengths created a shared language to discuss strengths and weaknesses in a more objective and productive way. Since then, I’ve worked with thousands of teams—both as a leader and an Executive Coach—and the magic that happens when a team discovers their collective potential never gets old. When individuals understand their unique contributions and how they fit into the bigger picture, it transforms how they collaborate and perform.

Personal development only happens in relationship to others, and it isn’t just about learning new skills or staying ahead of trends; it’s about building self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to inspire that same commitment in your team—allowing them to inspire each other in return.

Investing in your development is a business strategy, integrating it with your team is a business game changer and there is plenty of research and data to support this. 

Increased Productivity: A Gallup study found that teams who focus on strengths development see 12.5% greater productivity. When team members are aware of each other’s strengths and work collaboratively, they perform better and more efficiently.

Higher Engagement: Research consistently shows that engaged teams are more productive and creative. Gallup’s data also highlights that teams with high engagement levels experience a 21% increase in profitability. Engaged employees are more likely to feel connected to their work, which leads to better performance.

Reduced Turnover: Teams that are well-developed and have strong communication tend to experience lower turnover rates. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), companies that invest in team development and foster strong teamwork can reduce turnover by up to 59%.

Improved Collaboration and Innovation: When team members understand their strengths and how to complement each other, they can collaborate more effectively. Research from the Harvard Business Review shows that companies that encourage collaborative work are 5 times more likely to be high-performing.

Better Decision-Making: Teams that are aligned and understand how to leverage their individual strengths tend to make better decisions. Research from Forbes shows that diverse teams, who collaborate effectively, make decisions that are 87% better and faster than individual decision-makers.

Stronger Financial Performance: The same Gallup study found that organizations that engage their employees see a profitability boost of 22% compared to those that don’t focus on team engagement and development.

Connect with me on Linkedin

Subscribe to the Newsletter