People who utilize their strengths in their work are significantly more productive than those who don’t. Don’t believe me? Research completed by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O Clifton of the Gallup organisation using feedback from over 2,000,000 surveys uncovered two great assumptions from the worlds managers

1. Each persons Talents are enduring and Unique

2. Each persons greatest room for growth is in the area’s of his or her greatest strengths.

This is in stark contrast to the idea that all employees can grow to be anything in an organisation. Think about it for a moment. When are you at your best in work or at home? Is it when you are doing something that you hate or something that you like to do? We know the answer is something that you like? Next Question, Why do you like it? Well you’re probably good at it and get satisfaction out of doing it? Why are you good at it? Answer: You’ve always been good at this kind of stuff! Question: Why?

I don’t mean to go around in circles here but it is sometimes hard to explain. There is plenty of research to show you about forming your personality at an early age and this never changes through out your lifetime (it bends a little, but does not change). The fact is that if you enjoyed being the organizer at an early age then you will more than likely get a buzz out of organizing the Christmas party. Why? Because you are good at it. You have a talent and when you get to use that talent you enjoy what you do and become more productive.

So how does this align with your work? It’s simple, Find a Job that you love to do and you’ll never work again! This is a bit of a stretch but in some peoples lives this is a reality. If this is not your reality then lets aim for, Find Something in your Job that you enjoy doing and do as much of it as possible! This should be easier! So how do we do this? The Method I have used with a number of team with a large degree of success is the SIMPLE process

S: Start by identifying your Strengths

I: Identify a Task or role that matches your strengths

M: Match your current role to the role that aligns with your strengths

P: Promote your strengths: Be proud of them and use them as often as possible

L: Learn to manage your weakness: Find ways to ensure that your weakness do not inhibit your strengths.

E: Enhance your strengths through continuous leaning and opportunities.

See SIMPLE. Now it may sound SIMPLE but the process is a long and arduous process that you need to follow. It is all based on identifying your strengths and the strengths of those around you. So what can you do to identify your strengths? Check out the following suggestions

1. Complete an online assessment at gallup or strengthsfinder

2. Carry a log book with you and record when you feel that you are enjoying yourself and are happy. Write down what you are doing and search for patterns.

3. Ask your closest friends or members of your family. They will see things in you that you don’t see yourself.

The point is to start doing something to identify what you are good at and what you enjoy. By building this into your day to day work life you will enjoy your role more or you might change roles altogether but you will be more productive.