What is a strengths-based approach and why does it matter?
What is a strengths-based approach and why does it matter?
Adopting a strengths-based approach is at the heart of Caplor Horizons’ work. In this edition, we reflect on the role and importance of building on strengths in various ways. We launch our new Caplor Horizons film, share insights from our work with Haygrove in South Africa, and invite you to apply to be our new Finance Lead Trustee.
Motivating others to achieve their potential
‘A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.’ Eleanor Roosevelt
For thousands of years, people have considered what enables individuals and teams to thrive and reach their fullest potential. This ongoing enquiry into human excellence underpins a strengths-based approach. This is a hallmark of the way we work at Caplor Horizons.
This approach shifts attention from identifying and fixing weaknesses to unlocking and cultivating what people do best. Whilst it has taken shape in various forms, such as Appreciative Inquiry, it links to ancient wisdoms from around the world – e.g. the concept of Eudaimonia created by Aristotle (a Greek philosopher who lived over 2,300 years ago).
Transformations in understanding have emerged from the ‘Positive Psychology’ movement. These highlight how motivation is increased and sustained when people use and hone their distinctive talents. Two groundbreaking frameworks are the ‘PERMA’ model, which emerged in 2011 and is about people flourishing; and, more recently, the ‘PRISM’ model building on the earlier foundations – see the 2023 book Tomorrowmind.
Read more in our paper ‘Motivating others to achieve their potential and communicating with impact’ – one of our 12 Essentials of Transforming Leadership.
Launching our new Caplor Horizons film
We are delighted to share our brand-new film, showcasing our work at Caplor Horizons and the impact we’ve had with the people, partners, and communities we work alongside.
A huge thank you to former BBC World Service journalist and Advisor, Gareth Jones, whose gift for storytelling and filming helped capture the essence of what we do.
We’re also deeply grateful to our partners, clients, and advisors who shared how Caplor Horizons has helped them think, learn, and act differently by focusing on their core strengths and talents. Thanks to everyone’s time and energy, we’ve captured more footage than we could include in one film – so watch this space for more inspiring stories from our community.
Strengthening Organisational Culture
As part of our ongoing collaboration with Haygrove, an international horticulture business, we recently worked with members of their team in South Africa on the latest part of their ‘Leading Culture’ programme.
This long-term initiative has already involved working with Haygrove teams in the UK, Poland, and China. Each element is tailored to local context and needs, though is aligned to their wider organisational values and culture.
One highlight of the South Africa work was a strengths-based exercise, where participants explored their individual and collective talents and how these could be used to strengthen the teamworking culture.
You can read their full testimonial here and see some photos from the recent sessions below.
Apply to be our new Finance Lead Trustee
We’re looking for a new Finance Lead Trustee who can advise the Board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities, clearly communicate financial information, and oversee the charity's annual accounts.
You don’t need to be a qualified accountant, but relevant financial experience and confidence with charity finances are important. This voluntary role involves around 10 days per year, and you do not need to be UK-based.
Applications close Sunday 14th September
“Stir the world with your skills, shake the world with your talents, move the world with your brilliance, change the world with your genius.”
– Matshona Dhliwayo
Best wishes,
Ian, Lorna, Kemal and Rosie