Page 95 - Appreciative Leadership

68 Appreciative Leadership

Then feeling safe, valued, and strong enough, she admitted

that, yes, she was having personal problems that were getting
in the way of her work. Lynne asked if she thought it was a
short-term or long-term issue. The young woman said she

very much hoped it was a short-term situation. Together they
decided to wait two weeks before seeking other assistance

with the project. The young woman left the conversation feel-

ing heard, knowing that she was seen as capable and trusted,
and deeply grateful to Lynne for caring about her as much as
the project.

As Lynne demonstrated, strengths spotters are good listeners.

They are willing and able to hear news that they wish they did not have
to hear. They are able to hear positive potential through the haze of

problems, dilemmas, issues, and troubles. Because they seek strengths
in people and situations, they readily fi nd them.
Here is a good way to begin strengths spotting. Ask someone to
tell you about something that gives her a sense of pride. Listen to what
she says, watch her expression as she talks, make note of the strengths
you heard in the story, and then share what you heard—naming and
acknowledging the person’s strengths and successes. Here is an exam-

ple. Notice how the conversation flows from story to strengths:

Barb: How was your weekend?
Gary: Great.

Barb: Really, what did you do this weekend that made it so great?
Gary: I fixed up my car.

Barb: What did you do?

Gary: I got car plaster and paint, and my friend and I repaired all
the nicks and holes in my car. I even took the key out of the