Strengths-Based Leadership

The advantages of Strength-Based Leadership is that it is an empowering system which uses best parts of a person. The leader knows what he/she can and cannot do, and he/she is honest about it. If the leader knows that he/she can run an organization, but lacks computer skills, then he/she admits that from the start and works with someone who can complement them. You work with other people's strengths, and don't harp on their weaknesses.

The biggest killer of any leader or leadership structure is fear. If a subordinate fears to report a problem, then the problem grows larger the more time passes. If a leader fears to tell his/her people about a mistake, then the problem eats away at the leader's conscience and eventually destroys the people's faith in their leader. So the first thing you must do in a Strengths-Based Leadership structure is remove the roots of fear. Make it clear that all problems are to be reported at once, and that it is not a matter of blame. You can even put the fear to rest by offering a bonus or a "pleasant surprise" to people who spot problems or potential hazards. A pizza or a bundle of flowers doesn't cost much, it brightens everyone's day, and it is proof that fear has no place in the leadership structure.

There was a very good poem in George R. R. Martin's book, Game of Thrones, which a fencer used as a mantra to a student. I liked it so much, I copied it, and posted it in my office. If this were to be posted in any school, office, or training center it would empower many people:

"Swift as a deer. Quiet as a shadow. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
Quick as a snake. Calm as still water. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
Strong as a bear. Fierce as a wolverine. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
The man who fears losing has already lost. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
Fear cuts deeper than swords. Fear cuts deeper than swords."

A Strengths-Based Leadership system must use all the positive qualities that people have to offer. One must indeed be swift, quiet, strong, calm, and fierce. Everyone should embody these qualities, and use them for the common good. But, it is easier to be these things when you know that you need not fear.