In times of challenge, it becomes even more important that each person bring their best strengths to the table.
And, as headlines will attest, these are times of challenge.
How Can a Strengths-Based Team Help You?
Here is an example.
The CEO sighed and delivered the news to his team. The reports were in. Sales were down, and costs were going through the roof. Supply chain issues, hiring and retention issues, and now a struggling consumer base – all were hitting at once. Would this be the “perfect storm” that would devastate the company that had been a staple in the economy for decades?
Fortunately, the leadership in the company had invested in strengths-based employees in recent years, seeking to bring in the best of the best in terms of strengths.
This allowed the senior management team and their teams to hunker down and very quickly provide ideas and solutions for their areas.
The I-wired marketing manager said, “We can change our marketing strategy to show consumers we are here to support them through these times. Instead of add-ons of little value, let’s do a better job of packaging what they need right now and pricing it as much in their favor as possible. Instead of pushing what we want to sell, let’s listen to what they need to buy instead.”
The C-wired accountant replied, “Yes, great strategy. The numbers indicate people are stocking up on the essentials. I will calculate our best price point so they can buy more, which helps them, and then the increased volume will return in healthy numbers for us as well. We’ll be sure to add in a protective margin, since supply chain and sourcing are in flux.”
The D-wired CEO readily approved. “How soon can we get the offers out there?”
“I’ll have the numbers today,” said the accountant.
“And we’ll get the campaign ready this week,” said the marketing manager. “Our design staff is talented and able to get this off the ground quickly.”
“Great!” said the CEO. “Who will manage the details to keep the project moving as quickly as possible?”
All heads turned toward S-wired Susan, who had already formulated a plan for the most efficient way to get from A to Z on the project.
The meeting ended, and the teams got to work.
In short order, they rolled out a marketing campaign that resonated with their customers, who welcomed the opportunity get something they needed at pricing they could afford. And because the team had pooled their strengths, they were able to work efficiently and keep the costs contained. The team effort turned what looked like a losing quarter into a very profitable one.
Right Team, Diverse Strengths
This is where having the right team with diverse strengths in place makes a difference. It ensures the critical facets of business are quickly addressed.
- Supporting Structure
- Leadership and Strategy
- Marketing and Ideas
- Legal, Financial, Risk Assessment, and Quality Assurance
- Production
- Sales and Fulfillment
Is your team complete with the strengths you need for each area?
It is not a matter of if such a team will be needed; it is a matter of when. And, these days, that time is imminent.
When it comes to working through a challenge, the right team makes a difference that goes all the way to the bottom line.
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!
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