Good leaders know that their role isn’t just to orchestrate and coordinate tasks; a leader is responsible for much more. People of all kinds look to good leaders for direction, but they also rely on leaders to recognize their potential, even if they aren’t aware of it themselves. As leaders, our job is multi-factored, with the overarching goal being developing a coherent body of individuals that works towards and eventually accomplishes a common goal. Therefore, recognizing strengths in others is a big part of our job description; how does this look in practice?
The Importance of Recognizing Strengths in Others
As mentioned, part of the leadership role requires that we identify and recognize the strengths of those we work side-by-side with. These individuals may not even know that they have a specific skill set, but once you put them in a position to thrive, they are more productive and useful to your business or organization. Since leadership roles are mostly organizational, this special attention will benefit your non-profit or company more than you know. Furthermore, it will help your members and employees achieve personal growth.
Good Leaders Know How to Recognize Others’ Strengths
Look for Successes
Recognizing strengths in others requires that you pay attention when people succeed and ask why this was the case. Why did this person fill this role so well? The answer is most likely going to be related to that person’s character or driving forces. When you see someone succeed at a task, make sure to give them similar tasks and slightly different ones if they want to develop in other areas.
Look for Struggles
Being good leaders also involves us recognizing when people do not succeed at something they are attempting (or they struggle with it). This situation presents us with the opportunity to optimize someone’s duties and place them somewhere they can shine.
Ask Them!
Especially in not-for-profit organizations and charities, volunteers often get involved and will provide help based on the strengths they are already aware of. You can often save time by asking someone what they enjoy doing, but it’s still a leader’s job to watch and monitor everyone to ensure that they are playing to their strengths or learning vital new skills.
Recognizing Strengths in the Zambian Diaspora As a Leader
Here at the ZLA Foundation, we are all working together towards a common goal: supporting the diaspora of Zambians throughout the world. Any organization requires leadership, and the ZLA Foundation is passionate about raising good leaders that can make a positive impact in all of our Zambian communities. As a leader, you will truly shine when you are recognizing strengths and using them advantageously; it allows both you and the individuals to shine and contribute optimally!
Even if you aren’t necessarily the leadership “type,” you can be an integral, invaluable part of any organization, community, or organization you chose to associate yourself with. Some people don’t have a lot of free time to dedicate to physical volunteer work, either, and that’s fine! You can also make monetary donations to help pay for supplies and other necessities for an organization.
You can get involved with or donate to the ZLA Foundation to support the Zambian diaspora here on our website.