SKILL
Humans have a biological need to be seen and appreciated for who we are at our core — in other words, our Signature Strengths. To identify your Signature Strengths, take the VIA Survey. This survey, taken by over 25 million people around the world, was created by leading positive psychology researchers as an evidence-based tool for people to inventory what is RIGHT about themselves. Strength Spotting builds on the skill of Character Strengths, moving you from simply becoming AWARE of your strengths to EXPLORING and APPLYING them more intentionally.

Strength Spotting is the skill of noticing, describing, and appreciating the Character Strengths in yourself and those around you. This skill encourages you to see people as an orchestra of strengths by shining the light on what is best with the people around you and in your community. Strength Spotting can be applied at the individual, family or team level. The practice of Strength Spotting also enhances your ability to refine your own strengths over time so you can use them in the best way possible. This practice not only benefits you — it also helps others increase their capacity to put their strengths into action in beneficial ways.

SCIENCE
It is well documented that two thirds of our population are unaware of their intrinsic strengths and how they can apply them in the various areas of their life. This is known as strengths blindness and it occurs in several ways:

• People taking their strengths for granted, believing they are ordinary rather than extraordinary.
• Individuals overusing a strength such that it doesn’t feel like a strength.
• Focusing on mistakes, weaknesses and not noticing the benefits of their strengths.

Additionally, when the term “strengths” is used in the disability space, specifically in the IEP process, it is most frequently referring to skills and interests, not Character Strengths. This needs to evolve because the science is clear that people who are able to apply their signature strengths and be recognized for them reap many benefits.

BENEFITS
People who know their strengths, and utilize the practice of Strength Spotting experience:

• Enhanced overall wellbeing and life satisfaction
• Greater happiness and less depression
• Greater relationship satisfaction
• Less stress and reduced anxiety
• Higher levels of positive work experiences
• Increased intrinsic motivation and engagement