Page 88 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

WHATAMIKNOWNFOR? (IDENTITY)

As you help your employees recognize their identity and
structure their work to build on strengths, don’t ignore weak-
nesses. Building on strengths alone will not create leadership
success. Dave hates to stretch, and Wendy hates to work up
a sweat, but neither of us will be in great shape if we do only
the physical activities that come naturally to us while ignor-
ing all others. By helping employees recognize and face
weaknesses, you also help them look honestly in the per-
sonal mirror and build an overall improvement process. As
an identity builder, you offer employees a truer sense of self.

2. Define and Build Organizational
Capabilities Required for Success

How does a leader define an organization’s strengths, or
capabilities? Think about two restaurants, computer stores,
sports venues, hair salons, or other companies you have
visited. While two companies in the same industry might
offer similar products or services, can you sense a difference
in how the companies work? These differences reflect an
organization’s identity. Disney theme parks create an entire
world of whimsy and entertainment while Magic Mountain
gives customers daring rides. Shopping at a local hardware
store is different from buying hardware tools at Costco or
Carrefour. A deli in New York feels different from a bistro in
Paris. Organizations have an identity. Just as an individual’s
identity is shaped by his or her strengths, an organization’s
identity emerges from its capabilities.
Capabilities represent what the organization is known
for, what it is good at doing, and how it patterns activities
to deliver value. These capabilities include many of the

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