It’s not every day that a client asks, “Can CliftonStrengths be applied to our senior leaders who are going to be mentors?” But when they did, our response was simple: “Absolutely! Let’s make it work for your team.”
Our certified Gallup CliftonStrengths Coaches, Edith and Matchy, recently had the pleasure of working with a group of country, business, and function heads from a renowned multinational luxury brand. Our mission? To guide them through a half-day virtual program, “Strengths Discovery for Mentors.” And what an inspiring journey it was!
Now, here’s where it gets even better. Shortly after the session wrapped up, my phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from the client: “Hello Matchy, thanks for today's session. It was enjoyable and fruitful! I regrouped with my manager right after and spoke to some participants. The feedback was very positive. The content was precise and concise, and easy to understand. The session was interactive and engaging as well.”
This encouraging feedback confirmed that we had hit the mark in equipping these leaders to become even better mentors.
Let me share a few highlights from our session:
1. Each leader had a moment to dive deep into their top 5 talents, uncovering the unique qualities that make their leadership style stand out. This self-awareness is crucial for mentors because it helps them understand how to best support their mentees by leveraging their own strengths effectively.
2. They reflected on their past successes, viewing them through the lens of their strengths. This reflection enabled them to craft powerful stories that illustrate what makes them successful as leaders—stories they can now share with their mentees to inspire and guide them on their own journeys.
3. We introduced them to the “2 Ps” in mentoring: Psychological Safety and Practical Needs. Leaders explored how their strengths could help create an environment of trust while addressing the real-world needs of their mentees.
4. And because no journey is without its challenges, we also had leaders reflect on the potential dark sides of their talents. After all, knowing your blind spots is key to being an effective mentor.
It was an absolute joy to work with such a dedicated and insightful group of leaders. They are not only committed to their own growth but are also deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of leaders within their organization. Edith and I are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mentoring journey, using our own strengths and experiences.
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