By Steve Gahagen

The genius of strengths is that we can leverage our talents to successfully overcome obstacles, even those that come unexpected. Once we step back from the shock and fear of uncharted territories, we can put our talents to work to manage a difficult crisis or even transform the crisis into something positive. Innovation often flows out of desperation.

Those with strategic thinking strengths are going to be able to analyze the challenges and create a plan to take their organization into the future.

Those with relationship building strengths are particularly talented in bringing a team together. They will care for the needs of people and find ways to help people connect when touching is taboo. They may discover ways to make team or family connections even stronger than before.

Those with executing strengths will be able to quickly execute strategies. They will get things done in a timely manner to move the team forward in an emergency situation.

Those with influencing strengths will bring other people on board and share the exciting new journey with their team and beyond. They will seize the opportunity to expand your network.

Questions to Consider:

1. How are you leveraging your strengths to navigate the COVID-19 crisis, whether in work or as a family? Which talents are the most helpful?

2. Think of three people. How are they leveraging their strengths to make the most of a difficult situation? Let them know how you’re seeing their talents in action.

3. What strengths could you develop and make stronger in the midst of crisis?