Boss to Coach Conversation 1 of 5
Strengths-Based Expectations. Discover your why, what and how
HOW TO USE THIS MODULE
This module can be used in two ways.
If you are preparing for a workshop or coaching session
Work through the exercises below and bring your thinking with you.If you are doing the online starter series
Work through the exercises below, then apply one part of it with your team this week.
This module is about getting clearer on what matters to you, how that shapes your expectations, and how to put that into words.
Limited for time?
If you only do one thing this, make it Step 4: Understanding What You Value.
Objectives
At the end of this module you will have identified
Your purpose (mission)
Your values
Your vision
Duration 45 mins
Step One Why mission, vision and values?
Purpose, vision and values are often written as big statements but not used day to day. When they are clear, they become practical. They help you make decisions and explain what matters
Vision helps determine WHAT we are motivated by, e.g. how do we know we have reached the top of the mountain
Purpose is WHY we get out of bed in the morning. The contribution we want to make, e.g. what motivates us to keep climbing
Values determine HOW we get there, e.g. when options are presented to us, which path we choose
Optional Watch For more, watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk “Start with Why.”
Step Two Understand your filters through the lens of your strengths
Strengths are the natural thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be productively applied. These are also our filters, how we see the world. Read more.
If you haven’t already, discover your strengths by completing a CliftonStrengths profile
Review the results in the Strengths Insight Guide report. To access
Login in to https://login.gallup.com using your e-mail address and password
At the top left hand side click on Menu and select CliftonStrengths
On the secondary menu beside the CliftonStrengths heading click on Reports
Click on the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Report tile
A PDF will load. Print this
Highlight any statements that resonate with you, cross out what doesn’t matter and circle any meaningful words.
Your Output
By the end of this module, you will have prepared:
Your completed Purpose (Mission) sort
Your completed Values sort
Your completed Vision sort
(Optional) A PowerPoint poster summarising your outputs
Step Three Identifying purpose (mission)
Purpose (mission) is about our WHY and is linked to identity, self image, our worldview and beliefs. This represents our cause and focuses on who we wish to become, the driving force behind everything we do. Watch the videos then complete the exercises at the links below.
Step Four Identifying what you value
The HOW is about how you operate. The standards you hold and the way you choose to work when options are in front of you.
Step Five Identifying your vision (what motivates you)
The WHAT is about outcomes. What success looks like. What you are aiming towards.
Step Six Bringing it all together
Take your strengths from Step Two, along with your purpose, values and vision from Steps Three to Five, and update the poster template. When you click on Poster Template this will automatically download a PowerPoint zip file to your downloads folder on your computer.
Have a big decision to make? As you think it through, place a tick next to each element on the poster. The more checks the more likely this points to an aligned decision.
Download the poster template
Put this into practice
Now that you are clearer on what matters to you, the next step is how you turn that into clear expectations with your team.
This week, write down your top 3 values, your key motivation, and the contribution you want to make. Then ask yourself:
• What expectation does this create for how I lead?
• What would my team say they see from me at my best?
• Where am I unclear or inconsistent?
If you lead people, use one of these ideas in your next conversation.