The difference between Strengths, Values, Skills and Personality
As a coach it's essential to know and understand our clients, and to help our clients better understand themselves.
The team behind YouMap® has identified four key pillars of self-awareness – strengths, values, skills and personality based interests.
Often we tend to focus on just one aspect, like their strengths or personality, without considering the other factors that inform their preferences. This can lead to an incomplete or inaccurate assessment and diagnosis of what our client most needs.
When we have a better understanding of all these factors, we can gain a more holistic view of our clients and provide tailored solutions that match how they’re wired.
Ultimately, understanding not just one, but all of these factors is vital in building stronger relationships and better outcomes for our clients.
YouMap reveals all four of these essential pillars.
But what’s the difference between them all?
Imagine you're building a superhero team:
Strengths are like superpowers.
They are the unique abilities and natural talents that make someone exceptional at something. They are often regarded as natural talents or inherent capabilities that can be leveraged to excel in specific areas.
Strengths inform HOW someone gets things done. They’re typically not acquired through deliberate practice or training but are instead part of an individual's inherent makeup - think of Strengths as their secret weapon. For example, someone might have strengths in analysis and empathy, while another person may have a strengths in being highly adaptable and influential.
Values, on the other hand, are like the moral compass of your team.
They represent what you stand for and believe in. Values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions and actions. They are deeply rooted in your core and reflect your integrity, honesty, compassion, or other principles that are important to you.
There are some values you expect to be reciprocated, while others feel more personal.
Skills are the practical tools in your superhero utility belt.
They are the learned abilities that enable you to perform specific tasks or actions effectively. Skills can be acquired through education, training, or experience. The are developed through intentional efforts and can be improved over time. 85% of skills are transferable from one project to another. It’s important that you spend as much time using your preferred skills and as little time using your burnout skills as possible!
Personality traits are like the unique quirks and characteristics that make each superhero stand out.
They are the distinctive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that define an individual. Personality traits can include being outgoing, compassionate, adventurous, or shy. These traits influence what we’re all motivated and inspired by.
By understanding all four pillars, we can develop a holistic view of our clients and provide tailored solutions that match their individual wiring. This comprehensive approach not only strengthens our relationships with clients but also leads to better outcomes for them.