Part 2 of our 8-part Strengths Connection Series
Welcome back to our eight-part series on strengths development for individuals and teams! In this week’s video, I explore an incredibly valuable exercise called the “Bring and Need” exercise, designed to help you identify what you uniquely bring to the table and what you need from your environment to maximize your potential.
For those who prefer reading, we've included a summary below highlighting the key points discussed in the video.
What is the Bring and Need Exercise?
This exercise focuses on identifying what you uniquely bring to the table with a particular talent or strength, and what you need from your environment to fully express that strength. If you’ve completed a CliftonStrengths assessment and worked with a coach, you might be familiar with the Bring and Need report, which is one of my favorite tools.
How It Works
Imagine a chart with your strengths listed on the left. Next to each strength, you’ll have two columns: one for what you bring and one for what you need. For example, as someone with high restorative strength, I bring creative problem-solving skills and a natural desire to identify and fix what’s out of sync. However, I need opportunities to be part of problem-solving situations to thrive. If I’m in an environment where I’m not utilized in this way, my talent feels wasted, and my growth is stunted. It’s crucial for my happiness and fulfillment to engage in roles that allow me to exercise my restorative strength.
The Importance of Language
Understanding and articulating what you bring and what you need is essential. It not only helps you recognize your own value but also allows you to communicate this to others. This shared language can spark “light bulb” moments on teams, where members realize they’ve held misconceptions about each other simply due to a lack of understanding of how their teammates naturally think, feel, and behave.
When teams have a common understanding of each member’s strengths, creating an environment that fosters collaboration and support becomes more accessible. Individuals are more likely to feel seen and valued, which is fundamental to a sense of belonging.
Why This Matters
Organizations thrive when individuals feel appreciated for who they are. When people understand their unique contributions and the contributions of their teammates, it leads to a more cohesive and engaged team. This exercise is not just powerful for individuals but also for teams as a whole.
If you’d like more information on how to implement this exercise for your team, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to help. Stay tuned for next week’s video, where we’ll discuss Balancing Your Talents and how to integrate your strengths in a way that maximizes both personal fulfillment and team success.
Until then, stay curious!
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