WHAT
We all have personality qualities that come more naturally to us like creativity, perseverance, kindness, fairness, humility, or hope. Researchers call these character strengths, and have highlighted 24 that represent the best universal human qualities whether applied at work, home, or in any area of life.
WHY
Tapping into our character strengths can help us stay resilient, maintain engagement and build connection - both when times are going well and also when we’re in crisis. Identifying and leveraging our character strengths can lead to greater confidence, productivity, engagement at work, and job satisfaction. In times of crisis, operating from your strengths can aid in coping with stress, and provide a boost of energy when resources are low or depleted.
HOW I CAN USE THIS
Harness the power of your strengths by becoming aware of them, exploring how they show up in your life and finding new ways to apply your strengths on a daily basis. These activities can be done on your own or with a group.
Become aware of your strengths. Complete the free VIA Character Strengths assessment to help you learn about your character makeup and see a list of your greater strengths down to your lesser strengths. Spend some time reading about your top five strengths at the VIA Institute.
Explore your strengths. What do you think about the results? Did the results surprise you or confirm what you already knew? Which strengths feel most accurate and valid? Think of a recent example when you have used one (or more) of your top strengths at work or in some other area of your life. What did you do and how did your strengths come into play? How did it feel to be using your strengths? Now think about a time where you faced some significant adversity, how did your strengths help you then?
Apply your strengths. Consider a challenge you are currently facing in your life. Is there a way you can apply your top strengths to this challenge? Which of your strengths could you use the next time you feel stress or anxiety?
HOW I CAN HELP OTHERS
Spot strengths in others. Ask members of your team to share a few of their top strengths with each other. Then, ask the team to call out when they see these strengths in action and look for opportunities where they can invite their peers to use their strengths more.
Resilience labs
Learn about our virtual workshops for teams and organizations.
Author
Eudaimonic by Design is a global network of consultants, facilitators and systems thinkers who share a passion for the science of well-being and believe that organizations must be designed to enable it. We harness the best of scholarly thought and years of practical experience to help people be truly engaged, act ethically and pursue excellence.
Sign up to our Resource Library
Get first-hand access to our rich resources, exclusive insights, and the latest updates from thought leaders in resilience. Enhance your understanding and stay ahead with EUBD.