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She was a single mother, making just over minimum wage but delivering thousands per week in results for the company. While she didn’t change jobs often, when she did, her customers sought her out to do business with her. Sometimes, they insisted they would only do business with her and would leave and come back later when she was available.

Why were her wages so low compared to the value she was bringing?

It was because she did not see her true strengths. To others, it was clear. But to her, they were hidden.

Here’s the thing: her story is not unique. Most people cannot see their own strengths the way others see them.

When she took a strengths assessment, her eyes were opened to greater possibilities. She began to see the value she could bring to others while also finding value in herself. As a DI, her ability to close a deal, take care of the customer better than anyone, and obtain real results suddenly started to make sense. It was not just a job. It was who she was as a person.

And she realized she did not have to settle. She had strengths that translated to a six-figure income. And she had the results to substantiate them.

What about you?

Are you settling for less when you could be earning more?

Are you just doing a job, or are you working in your strengths zone and serving with passion?

When you know your strengths and get results, people take notice. Customers and clients know you are the go-to person who will deliver. Coworkers respect you and appreciate your particular area of expertise. And good leaders offer opportunities for growth.

But you have to go first. You must know your strengths and apply them to get results. This gives you the confidence to grow.

And if you can’t grow where you are, it gives you the reinforcement you need to move on to greater opportunities.

What about those you lead?

If you are a leader with an employee who is delivering real results, take the time to acknowledge their efforts and help them grow. Help them develop their strengths to higher and deeper levels. As they grow, your company will grow.

In a day when turnover is high and hiring is costly, it makes sense to develop the strengths in the team you have and to pay them well, so they stay with the company for the longer term.

This is also your chance to make a difference in the lives of those you serve. And that, my friend, is legacy leadership.

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!