The Strength-Based Advantage
In a May article in Gallup Management Journal, the authors discuss the impact of using one’s strengths on engagement and productivity. This is important research because intuitively we all agree with the statement that if you focus on your strengths in the workplace, you will be more engaged and will consequently be more productive.
But now there is the research to back up our intuitive knowledge. The article mentions some of the findings from Gallup’s research on the use of strengths in the workplace.
One of the studies the authors mention is Gallup’s survey of 65,672 employees. The group that received feedback (a one-hour coaching section) on their strengths and how to use them in their jobs were 14.9% lower in turnover rates than the employees who received no feedback. This is important considering that the use of strengths prevents employees from experiencing burnout at their work.
A second study of 530 work units found that managers who received feedback on their strengths were 12.5% greater in productivity than the teams with the managers who did not receive the strength feedback. This study helps to provide further empirical support of our intuitive knowledge that a focus on your strengths makes you more productive.
Lastly, in a study of 469 business units (from retail to manufacturing), units with managers who received strengths feedback showed 8.9% profitability than managers who received no feedback. This is the most significant piece of research for organizations considering if focusing on strengths is worth the effort. The findings indicate that focusing on what employees are good at has a considerable impact on the firm’s bottom line.
With so many firms struggling to find any means to avoid high turnover, improve productivity, and raise profit, it is surprising that many firms have not focused on this secret (yet obvious) business tactic. But with the latest research backing up our intuitive knowledge, it is only a matter of time before more businesses realize the profitable advantage of a strength-based focus.
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