Change at work can feel like a rollercoaster—one minute it’s exciting, the next it’s nerve-wracking. As a manager, you’re not just navigating new projects, restructures, or shifting priorities yourself; you’re guiding your team through the fog of uncertainty. It’s tough when everyone’s feeling unsettled, and keeping morale high is no easy task. The good news? By tapping into your team’s unique strengths (what comes naturally to them), you can turn change from a daunting challenge into an opportunity to shine. In this blog, we’ll share practical, strengths-based strategies—like empathetic check-ins and matching strengths to tasks—to help your team stay positive and resilient. Let’s make that rollercoaster a smoother ride for everyone.
Why Change is Tough (and How Strengths Help)
Change can bring out the best in a team—or spark anxiety and resistance. Deadlines shift, roles evolve, and uncertainty creeps in, making people feel unsteady. Why is it so hard? Breaking old habits, handling increased workloads, and fearing the unknown can leave teams hesitant. But focusing on strengths gives your team a solid anchor. Gallup’s research shows teams using strengths are 14.9% more engaged and 12.5% more productive during tough times.
This blog builds on our insights in How to Navigate Change with Your Team, which covers broad change management strategies. Here, we focus on real, human moments of support—small actions that make change feel less scary. Unlike “What is Strengths-Based Leadership?” which explores individual leadership, this blog zeroes in on team resilience.
Why Strengths Ease Change
- Boosts Confidence: Strengths remind people what they’re great at, reducing self-doubt.
- Builds Resilience: Leveraging strengths helps teams adapt with optimism.
- Sparks Collaboration: Aligning tasks with strengths fosters teamwork and purpose.
Pro Tip: Share your own strengths to model vulnerability, as Harvard Business Review suggests, building trust during uncertainty.
3 Strengths-Based Strategies to Thrive Through Change
These quick, low-prep strategies use strengths to support your team emotionally and practically, easing the stress of change.
1. Check In with Empathy: Create Safe Spaces
Change can leave your team feeling like they’re on shaky ground. Short, heartfelt check-ins show you care and surface concerns, while tying them to strengths reinforces everyone’s value.
How to Do It:
- Schedule 10-minute one-on-ones or a weekly team huddle.
- Ask open questions: “How’s this change feeling?” or “Which of your strengths can help?”
- Use a Strengths Assessment to identify strengths (e.g., adaptability, empathy) and link them to the change.
- Listen actively and validate feelings to build trust.
Why It Works: Empathetic check-ins reduce anxiety and boost engagement by 20%, per CIPD’s wellbeing research.
Pro Tip: Share a personal story of navigating change to spark connection and make it human.
2. Match Strengths to Tasks: Set Up for Success
New responsibilities during change can feel overwhelming. Matching tasks to strengths ensures your team tackles roles with confidence, turning uncertainty into opportunity.
How to Do It:
- List new tasks or roles (e.g., leading a project, adopting a system).
- Identify strengths using CliftonStrengths profiles.
- Assign tasks to align with strengths (e.g., strategic thinkers for planning, communicators for updates).
- Follow up after a week to adjust assignments.
Why It Works: Strengths-based task allocation improves performance by 15%, according to Forbes.
Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins, like a team member’s success, in a quick email or meeting to keep momentum.
3. Brainstorm Together: Turn Change into Opportunity
Change feels less daunting when your team sees it as a chance to innovate. A quick brainstorming session lets them use strengths to find creative solutions, boosting excitement and ownership.
How to Do It:
- Set a 20-minute session for a change-related challenge (e.g., “How can we adapt to this new process?”).
- Have each person share an idea based on their strengths (e.g., creative types suggest workflows, analytical ones propose timelines).
- Use a virtual whiteboard like Miro or sticky notes for engagement.
- Vote on top ideas and assign next steps.
Why It Works: Inclusive problem-solving boosts innovation by 30%, per McKinsey.
Pro Tip: Add a fun twist, like a “best idea” coffee voucher, to keep energy high.
Overcoming Common Hurdles
You might think, “My team’s too stressed for this!” We get it—change is tough. Here’s how to tackle barriers:
- No Time? Slot 10-minute check-ins into existing meetings or try a 20-minute brainstorm during a break.
- Resistant Team? Share how your strengths help you navigate change.
- Low Morale? Use strengths to boost confidence and celebrate wins.
Applying Strengths for Lasting Impact
Set SMART Goals
Guide your team with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Use a tool like Asana to track progress and keep everyone aligned.
Share Success Stories
Inspire resilience with team wins. For example, see how the Goldsmiths Finance Team thrived using strengths. Share stories in newsletters or meetings.
Foster Continuous Improvement
Encourage feedback with tools like SurveyMonkey and act on it to refine processes. Explore Creating a Safe Workspace for tips.
Get Started Today
Change doesn’t have to rattle your team. Try a quick check-in, match strengths to tasks, or spark a brainstorming session this week. Your team will feel supported and ready to thrive. For more, read Leading Organisational Change: How to Get Your Team on Board.
Ready to make change a strength? Explore our framework or join our Discovery Workshop to unlock your team’s potential. Let’s navigate change together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I support my team during change?
- Open Communication: Keep everyone informed and encourage feedback.
- Empathetic Check-Ins: Use strengths to validate concerns.
- Training: Equip teams with relevant skills.
- Recognition: Celebrate small wins to boost morale.
- Involvement: Engage teams in solutions, as in Transforming Team Dynamics with Appreciative Inquiry.
How do strengths contribute to team success in change?
- Enhance Collaboration: Diverse strengths spark creative solutions.
- Boost Morale: Strengths increase confidence and satisfaction.
- Improve Efficiency: Tasks aligned with strengths get done faster.
- Foster Innovation: Unique skills drive new ideas.
What are the 5 C’s of team resilience?
- Communication: Clear, open dialogue.
- Commitment: Dedication to shared goals.
- Collaboration: Working together seamlessly.
- Creativity: Innovative problem-solving.
- Confidence: Trust in team abilities.