Strength analysis
The strength analysis is an instrument that is used in personnel development. It is the basis of the strength-based approach and part of what is known as positive psychology . With the help of the strength analysis, individual strengths of a person should be objectively described and assessed. The strengths determined in this way should form the basis for further work in personnel development (e.g. as part of business coaching or team building). This approach is based on the assumption that personal development occurs more efficiently by developing strengths than by reducing deficits. Accordingly, this concept is an alternative to classic, deficient psychology.
application areas
The strengths analysis forms the basis for working according to the strengths-based approach. Depending on the goal, this can be at
- Business coaching
- Personality development
- Change of habits
- Team development
- Personnel development
- Motivational training
Find application.
Mode of action
The strengths-based approach describes a strength as the simultaneous occurrence of talent or aptitude and an enthusiasm for a job. Accordingly, this approach assumes that there is no resistance to performing these activities. It is also assumed that an improvement in the work results in certain activities can only be achieved through training. The energy expended in training personal strengths is relatively small in relation to the reduction of deficits (where great resistance is expected). Therefore, the strengths-based approach predicts a greater impact in less time and increased motivation. Furthermore, by working with the strengths, the energy, joy, self-confidence and resilience should be increased.
method
The basis of the strengths analysis is a biographical self-reflection, which is best accompanied by a trained coach. The strengths are derived from actually experienced successes as well as the description of personal feelings when performing different activities. It is crucially important to determine the strengths based on previously determined parameters. The strengths analyzed in this way are recorded and trained on the basis of the client's goals in a training plan for exercise.
criticism
The basis of the strengths-based approach (positive psychology) has not yet been fully explored. From a scientific point of view, there is no evidence for the effects described. Due to the low evidential value, individual case studies can only represent a tendency (cf. Petermann), but not serve as valid evidence. Furthermore, the survey method, the narrative interview, is not very conclusive, since the client's descriptions are influenced by the self-image and are therefore not objective. In addition, the determination of actual strengths represents a high probability of errors due to the lack of comparative values. Even a trained coach cannot guarantee security by filtering the statements. Possible retarding effects can occur in people who tend to over-optimize due to their personality structure. Here, for example, too much ambition can lead to overload.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Sebastian Lieb: Business Coaching: Coaching Methods . Retrieved July 28, 2016.
- ↑ Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic: Strengths-Based Coaching Can Actually Weaken You. In: Harvard Business Review , January 2016
literature
- Matt Driver: Coaching Positively: Lessons for Coaches from Positive Psychology . McGraw-Hill Education, New York City 2011, ISBN 978-0-335-24115-6
- Silvia Richter-Kaupp, Gerold Braun, Volker Kalmbacher: Business Coaching: How to support people effectively and establish yourself successfully in the market as a coach. GABAL Verlag, Offenbach 2014, ISBN 978-3-86936-600-5
- Petermann, F. (Ed.). (1979). Case-by-case analysis. Munich: Oldenbourg. ISBN 978-3-486-21385-0