How to Be Exceptional: Drive Leadership Success By Magnifying Your Strengths

CHAPTER 2Why Emphasize Strengths?

The Complex Interplay Between Strengths and High-Performing Leaders

Most people have had the experience of receiving performance evaluations from their bosses. As we ask people to reflect on that experience, the process for most seems similar. It goes something like this:

The boss schedules the meeting with an announcement that says, “It’s time for our annual performance discussion.”

The boss begins the discussion by talking about this person’s accomplishments and positive qualities. As the boss reviews the positive elements of past performance, the person thinks, “You’re so right; I am really good at that. I’m happy that you’ve noticed what I do well.” The person begins to think, “I like this performance discussion.” ...