Noticing others' strengths boosts connection and personal charisma.

Everyday actions reveal hidden personal strengths—recognize and appreciate them.

Practicing strength-spotting can transform how you listen to and bond with people.

In workshops over the past 10 years, I have taught individuals how to recognize their own strengths. I accomplish this by having each person tell the story of the obstacles and challenges they needed to overcome in order to come to the workshop, such as arranging for time off or getting someone to take care of the kids or the dog, etc. That simple story reveals character strengths that are often ignored or simply taken for granted.

Right now, for example, let's use the story of how you made time to read this blog. You might think, "Well, that's no big deal," but it may just uncover strengths you never considered.

So right now, either write down or mentally think of all the steps you took so that you could read this blog. Did you get dressed first? Include that in your story. Did you make a cup of coffee or have a snack to enjoy while reading? Where did you read? Did you make space somewhere in your house or office? Did you leave quiet time so you could read in peace?

Now, let's look at your hidden strengths. First of all, just by taking an interest in this blog, you displayed the strengths of curiosity, love of learning, and initiative!

Then, when you got dressed, you showed the strengths of action and decision-making and appreciation necessary........

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