At the University of Coventry, the Finance Team, led by Tammy Tams, Director of Financial Operations, sought to enhance team dynamics despite significant challenges. After Tammy attended Strengthify Live in November 2023, she saw a potential of a strengths-based approach to foster growth. She and her four direct reports joined the Management Development Programme in early 2024, followed by a team discovery workshop that sparked meaningful change.
The result? A stronger, more collaborative team with improved effieciency, heightened morale, and a shared understanding of strengths that energised their work. Explore their journey to see how a strengths-based approach can transform your team.
The Finance Team at the University of Coventry faced significant hurdles, primarily due to understaffing, which stretched resources and limited time for professional development. The pressure of daily workloads made it challenging to focus on team collaboration or individual growth. Team members often lacked a clear framework to leverage their unique strengths, which hindered their ability to work as effectively as possible.
Understaffing: Limited resources and time for team development.
Lack of strengths focus: Missed opportunities to align tasks with individual talents.
Workload pressures: Reduced capacity for collaboration and reflection.
“We are currently short of staff members, so at this time, it’s all hands on deck.” —Rebecca Faith O’Neill, Team Member
Tammy introduced Strengthify’s strengths-based framework to address these challenges. The process began with a team discovery workshop, where participants completed CliftonStrengths assessments to uncover their unique strengths. This was complemented by the Management Development Programme, which equipped leaders with tools to integrate strengths into team practices.
The workshop fostered self-reflection and team discussions, helping members understand their own strengths and those of their colleagues. The CliftonStrengths Report provided personalised insights, enabling the team to reframe traits as strengths and apply them to their work. By incorporating strengths into task allocation and team interactions, the Finance Team began to work more effectively, even under resource constraints.
Discovery Workshops: CliftonStrengths assessments revealed individual strengths and sparked team conversations.
Management Development Programme: Equipped managers and team leaders to foster strengths-based collaboration.
Embedding Strengths: Applied strengths in task allocation and team discussions to enhance performance.
“The session helped me think about myself and review myself, which was an eye-opener.” —Babitha Mukundan, Team Member
The impact was significant. The team developed a shared understanding of strengths, fostering collaboration and trust. By aligning tasks with individual strengths, they improved efficiency, making better use of limited resources. Morale rose as team members felt valued for their contributions, and the strengths-based approach provided a positive framework for growth. Participants reported greater motivation and a renewed perspective on their roles.
Enhanced Collaboration: A shared strengths focus strengthened team dynamics.
“At work, we need to work as a team, and we all have different strengths and weaknesses, so we can support each other.” —Susan Hook
Improved Efficiency: Strengths-based task allocation streamlined workflows.
“Helps to identify which work-based tasks are suited for each team member based on their strengths.” —Sharanveer Pooni
Boosted Morale and Motivation: Team members felt valued and energised.
“I like the idea of concentrating on people’s strengths. I believe they would be more productive and motivated.” —Natalja Spirina
Increased Self-Awareness: Participants gained insights into their strengths.
“It was interesting to think about my traits as strengths, which gave me a different perspective about work.” —Jennifer Reeves
80% rated the workshop “Very valuable” or “Extremely valuable.”
75% agreed or strongly agreed they better understood colleagues’ strengths.
95% found the CliftonStrengths Report insightful for personal and team growth.
The team is dedicated to sustaining their strengths-based culture. Plans include enrolling additional managers and team leaders in the Management Development Programme to deepen leadership capabilities. A follow-up team workshop and further workshops focusing on Appreciative Inquiry and tailored needs will maintain momentum. Long-term, the team aims to expand this approach across the Finance Department, fostering a culture where strengths drive collaboration and performance.
Future Plans:
Sustaining Progress: Regular strengths-focused discussions in meetings and one-to-ones.
Expanding Leadership Training: More managers to join the Management Development Programme.
Broader Vision: Extend strengths-based methods to other teams to enhance departmental culture.
“The session has made me more eager to apply strengths-based approaches in daily work.” —Sharanveer Pooni
Ready to unlock your team’s potential with a strengths-based approach? Contact Strengthify today!
Discover Your Strengths: Join a workshop to explore your unique talents → Register your interest
Empower Leadership: Enroll in our Management Development Programme → Find out more
Book a call to discuss a team workshop → Contact us