It happened again—your colleague forgot to lock the supply cabinet. You’re frustrated. You want to tell them: “You always forget to lock the cabinet!”
But what if there was a better way to express your concerns? One that not only solved the problem but strengthened your working relationship?
This is the power of strength-based communication—an approach that focuses on people’s strengths, abilities, and potential instead of their mistakes or shortcomings. Whether you’re supporting a teammate or providing feedback as a leader, strength-based communication helps build mutual respect and effective collaboration.
With this approach, you might instead say: “You’re really consistent with resident care and routines. Let’s use that same attention to detail to make sure supplies are secure after use.”
Notice the difference?
By shifting the focus from what is not working to what is working, strength-based communication creates a more positive, resilient, and collaborative workplace. It builds motivation, empowerment, trust, and a sense of being valued and recognized.
These outcomes directly support and foster psychological health and safety in the workplace. It also supports a trauma-informed workplace by reducing shame, building trust, and helping people feel emotionally safe.
And here’s an easy challenge:
Notice one strength in a colleague today, and tell them. A few words of recognition can go a long way.
Using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), the session introduces five conflict styles and offers real-world tools to navigate tension with clarity, confidence, and care.
Leadership is not just what you say, it's how you show up. Nonverbal signals are already speaking for you before any policy is shared or a meeting begins. A calm presence in a crisis, steady...
In this webinar, we will explore how strength-based communication creates a supportive environment where people feel heard and valued.
What we say matters—but what we don’t say often speaks louder.
This webinar will help participants understand why speaking up can be difficult and offer practical strategies for articulating needs and values in a productive way.
Leaders, join us for an interactive session to explore social intelligence (SI) and safety culture.
Good communication is critical for any relationship. It’s especially important in the workplace. We had a chance to talk with Shannon about the importance of good communication.
