Strengths Aren’t Strategy

Because in today’s business world, leaning in isn’t the same as moving forward.

Strengths-based leadership has its place. Tools focused on strengths have helped countless leaders better understand themselves and their teams—and that’s a great foundation.

But here’s the thing: Adaptability is the expectation in today’s volatile, uncertain, and rapidly changing business environment. Are you changing with it?

What if your greatest strength is getting in the way?

If everyone on your team leads with Fiery Red energy, is that a good thing?

(Hint: Nope.)

Not sure what Fiery Red means? It’s one of the four color energies in Insights® Discovery—a powerful framework that helps teams understand themselves and each other. Curious? Check out this quick Lunch & Learn replay.

Back to that Red energy 🔴. Or maybe Sunshine Yellow 🟡?

Leaning into strengths is smart. But without balance and self-awareness, strengths can become blind spots.

Think:

• Missed perspectives

• Unchecked bias

• Fixed mindset

• Team friction that gets labeled as “just how we work”

And the same goes for agreement. Just because everyone’s nodding in your meeting doesn’t mean you’re aligned.

Agreement isn’t alignment.

When teams rely too heavily on any one strength—whether that’s directness, positivity, data, or diplomacy—they limit their impact - and ultimately innovation potential.

Today’s most effective teams ask:

What if?

What now?

What’s true?

What matters?

It’s not enough to lean into what you already do well.

Strategy requires stretching.

Growth. Adaptation. Self-awareness. And energy management.

If your energy’s been off lately—you’re not alone.

And if your go-to strength isn’t working like it used to, maybe it’s time to flex something else.

Take a moment to reflect:

Where are you (or your team) overusing a strength—and what might a small shift unlock?