Find out which strengths we were using more and less during April 2020 as the pandemic hit the world
The way to grow through today’s pandemic challenges is through using our strengths. As we reset, if we listen more to our authentic Best SELF whilst grasping new opportunities, we are more likely to achieve our goals and experience positive emotion.
That’s why in April, Cappfinity provided free access for 25,000 people to receive their unique Strengths Profile, helping them discover and use their strengths to build resilience and cope with today’s stress.
Our recent webinar by Alex Linley and myself shared our global data across 28 countries and discussed the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s strengths. We reviewed the Strengths Profile data across both 2019 and 2020 and have highlighted some of the biggest changes below:
Realized Strengths
Increase – At the top was Growth. We’ve been enjoying learning new skills (mostly IT or home schooling!). It was also warming to see Gratitude on the rise as we gain perspective and potentially slow down during this period.
Decrease – Resolver was the biggest drop, showing we feel a little helpless in some situations we find ourselves in. Help each other to find the right resources and people to move forward.
Learned Behaviors
Increase – We are more drained by Pride, meaning producing our usual quality of work is more challenging as we grapple with new ways of working. Give people clarity on outputs and focus on what is slipping.
Decrease – I never thought I would see Adherence as less of a learned behavior. An energy in rule-following for some is on the increase but it may be one to watch, as it’s probably short-term considering it’s not natural for most.
Weaknesses
Increase – Time Optimizer was the biggest negative change. We are struggling with what to do, when to do it and in a timely manner. As coaches, help people reset priorities on tasks they can actively move forward on and encourage a flexible approach working with energy and availability.
Decrease – We’ve less of a weakness in Mission, as we try to find more meaning and purpose in our day-to-day activities.
Unrealized Strengths
Increase – Change Agent saw a rise in people wanting to be involved and be positive around change. Try to give/help others understand the impact, give direction or provide resources to get going.
Decrease – Self-belief – We’ve lost a bit of confidence, not surprisingly, along the way. Don’t forget to encourage smaller successes to boost people’s confidence and of course, spot strengths!
If you missed the webinar, you can request the link here to find out more ways in which we found strength or struggled at the beginning of Covid-19. As a coach, develop tips on focusing your clients during these continued challenging times.
Look out for further updates on our Strengths research, where we’ll be sharing the differences in how men and women responded during this pandemic.
