The Gallup Organization researched the use of strengths in the workplace and found when managers "focus on building strengths they enjoy increased sales and financial performance." Likewise, the best managers know how to spot talents, turn them into strengths and "increase their companies' productivity exponentially."

Martin Seligman, a professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania coined the term "signature strengths" to mean those skills that you have that set you apart and make you unique. When you utilize your signature strengths it leads to increased intellectual, social and physical well-being. Doesn't that sound great? You can increase your well-being-as well as your bottom-line-just by doing what comes naturally.

Here are some practical suggestions:

• Look at what in your job gives you the most satisfaction and work to make that piece of your day bigger.

• Talk to your manager about opportunities to use your signature strengths. For example, if your strong suit is creativity, then look for ways to generate creative solutions in your current job.

If you're a manager, make room for employees to re-craft their work within the goals you need accomplished and help further develop their strengths. Exceptional performance occurs in work environments where managers nurture talent, so find opportunities to apply employees' talents.

A recent Mayo Clinic study showed that the higher your satisfaction in life, the longer you will live. There's no better time than now to start implementing little changes to make your job work better for you. Leadership Solutions can help assess your strengths or help you modify your current position. We have excellent tools available to help employees or managers find ways to get more from your careers.

Donna Dennis
Telephone: 609-333-0144
donna@leadership-solutions.info