Interests- Strengths- Opportunities And Open Doors. Ability + Interest = Strength - look for God to open the door of Opportunity One of the biggest reasons for a successful team atmosphere is leading and building to each others strengths. A great leader will look for and use the varied skills and strengths of the team members to effectively promote and build the team to optimal performance levels. Learning to blend these differences will build team loyalty and team spirit. The understanding of this will improve efficiency and strengthen the whole team. This is necessary for success in business or ministry. I can't tell you how many times in my life I felt like I was trying to be a circle in a square world.. And as hard as I tried the more frustrated I became. So many people today who are leading have been chosen to lead and do not yet have the strengths in that area of their lives. They took the position because they were forced to or because of a vacuum needed to be filled. This often happens in volunteer organizations especially. God bless them, they tried and tried some more but the tension and frustration continued to mount and the results, often forced turn out to dismal. If a leader is forced to be a secretary or vice versa the challenge is you are not playing to your strengths and you will find yourself very much outside the zone. You will survive but probably not thrive. Early in my career, I was introduced to a book written by Marcus Buckingham, the book was entitled simply, GO! I highly recommend this book for all leaders. Marcus also has some great you tube videos. He subscribes to a belief, lean into your strengths. What do you do your best at and what invigorates you? What is working well and how do I do more of that? What leaves you inspired and energized rather than tired and discouraged? The more you use your strengths, the more satisfying your career. Ask yourself this important question... I feel strong when? It takes a great amount of observation and listening to see and hear where the strengths of another person fall. A strength is not necessarily something you are good at. You can be good at it but when you look back you also find it very draining. It does not mean by being "bad" at something you are not leaning toward a strength ..we can all grow. But what it does mean is that you are being drained of the stamina needed emotionally to get the job done. Often times initially the team members strengths are not on display and need to be triggered. One of the most powerful triggers is recognition. I' ve watched people rise to the occasion by giving them recognition and sense of purpose. This is one of the best ways to get a person to feel special enough to reveal a hidden strength to you. Peoples strengths become the teams biggest assets. I am afraid for most of us we walk right by the greatest assets to grow a business or ministry everyday. If we only knew what treasure was hidden. Time to start mining and finding the golden nuggets God has prepared and led to you, the leader.