Playing to Employee Strengths – A Letter From REB’s President

Implementing a management style that focuses on and develops employees’ strengths can be more effective than trying to fix, grow or improve weaknesses. When employees are encouraged to understand and utilize their strengths, they are more productive and engaged, less likely to quit their jobs and have an increase in customer engagement. This leads to greater effort and a stronger work effort.

As a leader, it is imperative to know the strengths and positive attributes of your employees to maximize their potential and best utilize opportunities for growth. One way to recognize employee strengths is to administer an employee skills assessment. Many times, companies include this within the application process to ensure an employee is best suited for the position.

When management provides feedback, it gives employees the resources and materials they need to grow. Daily contact that’s positive helps maintain trust and builds a stronger relationship. Employees that feel neglected or have infrequent contact with leadership are the most dissatisfied and run a higher risk of making mistakes or leaving a company.

To incorporate a strength-focused management style, encourage employees to further their education or become more involved.  Persuade employees to attend workshops, seminars or classes or join industry-related associations to help grow and develop their skill set. This practice will not only benefit the employee but it also helps grow the company.

– Lori L. Palmer, President, REB Storage Systems International