How can you identify employee strengths using performance evaluations?

1 Define strengths

Before you can identify your employees' strengths, you need to have a clear definition of what they are. Strengths are not just abilities or talents that someone has, but also aspects of their work that they enjoy, value, and perform well. Strengths can be related to specific tasks, such as coding, writing, or designing, or to broader domains, such as communication, creativity, or leadership. To define strengths, you can use frameworks such as the Gallup StrengthsFinder, which categorizes them into 34 themes, or the VIA Character Strengths, which focuses on 24 positive traits.

3 Observe and measure

Another way to identify your employees' strengths is to observe and measure their performance and behavior. You can use various methods and sources to collect data on how your employees perform their tasks, interact with others, and contribute to your startup's objectives. For example, you can use key performance indicators (KPIs), feedback from customers or peers, ratings from managers or mentors, or behavioral assessments such as the DISC profile. Observation and measurement can help you validate your employees' self-assessment and identify any gaps or discrepancies.

4 Compare and contrast

Once you have gathered information on your employees' strengths, you need to compare and contrast them to get a holistic and balanced view. You can use tools such as a SWOT analysis, a matrix, or a chart to organize and visualize your employees' strengths according to different criteria, such as relevance, frequency, impact, or uniqueness. You can also compare your employees' strengths with each other, with your startup's vision and values, and with the market and industry trends. Comparison and contrast can help you prioritize and align your employees' strengths with your startup's needs and opportunities.

5 Communicate and appreciate

After you have identified your employees' strengths, you need to communicate and appreciate them. You can use various channels and formats to share your findings and feedback with your employees, such as a report, a meeting, or a recognition program. You can also use positive language and examples to highlight your employees' strengths and how they benefit your startup. Communication and appreciation can help you acknowledge and celebrate your employees' achievements, as well as reinforce their confidence and commitment.

6 Develop and leverage

Finally, you need to develop and leverage your employees' strengths to enhance their performance and satisfaction. You can use various strategies and resources to help your employees grow and apply their strengths, such as coaching, mentoring, training, or challenging assignments. You can also use your employees' strengths to create synergies and collaborations within your team, as well as to solve problems and innovate for your startup. Development and leverage can help you maximize your employees' potential and value, as well as improve your startup's outcomes and culture.