Observing Strengths-Based Workplaces: Transformational Event

On a recent Called to Coach we spoke with Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach Mandy Smith.

At the beginning of her career, Mandy spent 12 years in leadership positions for her local government in Australia. She interacted daily with government employees and the members of the public that she served, often encountering people who struggled with low self-worth and feelings of despondency. Although Mandy tried to reassure these people that they were great, she found it difficult to communicate that message without the right language and tools to describe the unique qualities of each individual.

After the birth of her first child, Mandy and her family moved to the United Arab Emirates. She explained that living in a new country with a newborn forced her outside of her comfort zone both personally and professionally. She decided to turn this discomfort into an opportunity by starting her own learning and development consultant business to train corporate employees in the UAE. Like her previous efforts in local government, Mandy wanted to improve the lives of employees who felt low self-worth.

As her business grew, Mandy had the opportunity to work with many companies in the region. When she signed on to a 12-month consulting project with Sony Pictures, it would prove to be a transformative experience for her. During Mandy's first day at Sony Pictures, she could feel the company was different -- employees were excited about their work, they engaged with each other enthusiastically during lunch and had animated conversations in the hallway. Mandy wondered what was creating this incredible corporate culture?

She quickly discovered that Sony Pictures had created a strengths-based environment that incorporated the CliftonStrengths assessment and strengths philosophy into the day-to-day lives of its employees. During Mandy's consultancy with Sony Pictures, she conducted strengths introduction sessions with new employees. She quickly learned about strengths and was blown away by its emphasis on what is right with people. Mandy had finally found the language she was searching for! She incorporated strengths into her consulting business and is now a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.

Mandy Smith's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are Communication, Activator, Maximizer, Input and Futuristic.