In a recent meeting one of our team members apologized for using her strengths in our meeting. Really…she apologized. Apologized for being a “maximizer” and “strategic” and for looking at any way to take one opportunity and making it better. Apologized.

I hope it wasn’t because of something someone said or did–especially me. It’s curious that we feel we must apologize for doing what we do best. She may not have realized it yet, but her using her strengths is exactly why I want her (and others!) on my team. Our fears of being overbearing, too excited, out of bounds, or stepping on toes keeps many good things from happening!

Later that day I received an email from the folks who published the original book she referred to Now, Discover Your Strengths. It was about a new book on how to lead a group of folks by using your strengths and theirs. As of yet, I haven’t gotten it. But Strengths Based Leadership may make it on my reading list–maybe the email was a “sign”.

At the end of the meeting I handed out this list. And pointed out that taking initiative (#5)– using your strengths to make it all better– is a great thing for our nonprofit, our community– and according to science, your happiness and health.

Where would our communities and lives be if we unapologetically used our strengths each day?