Can 'seeing' your team's strengths unlock their potential?

Yes, StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Gallup emphasises that when leaders focus on identifying and leveraging individual strengths, employee engagement and productivity increase significantly.

In fact, Gallup research shows that employees who use their strengths daily are six times more likely to be engaged at work. 

I’m thrilled to share an inspiring story from the Work of Love community, written by a participant in a leadership program I facilitated last year.

What stood out about her was the practical, heartfelt way she showed love for her team. Each evening, as I packed up, I overheard her making calls to her team members. She checked in, celebrated their wins, listened to their challenges, and offered support. Every conversation was filled with energy, kindness, empathy, and genuine presence. She wasn’t multitasking—no emails, no distractions—just listening.

In her story, she reflects on the leader who saw her potential over two decades ago and helped her thrive. Today, she’s paying it forward, leading her team with the same love-centered approach, transforming their workplace culture and unlocking extraordinary results.

This story reminds us of the power of seeing and nurturing the best in others - because when we lead with love, we spark potential, growth, and lasting impact.

What's love got to do with it?

Love is not a word we often associate with the workplace, yet it has the power to transform how we lead, work, and connect. My own journey illustrates how embracing love at work—through care, mentorship, and empowerment—can unlock human potential in profound ways.

Love at first impression 

It all began on my first day at a new job. I vividly remember seeing her—the confident, impeccably dressed woman who exuded grace and authority as she walked past me on the plane. Little did I know, she would soon become my mentor and the catalyst for a life-changing chapter in my career.

From our very first week of induction and training together, I was inspired by her strength, courage, and authenticity. In a male-dominated industry, she was thriving on her terms, unapologetically bold and true to herself. She saw something in me that I hadn't yet seen in myself.

The Pygmalion effect in practice: how her expectations of me influenced my performance

Over the next year, she not only taught me the technical aspects of the job but also challenged me to dream bigger. With her encouragement, I identified the role I wanted, articulated it to the business, and took ownership of my career trajectory. That guidance allowed me to create a new position that combined Business Development and Account Management, where I thrived.

Her belief in me didn’t stop there. She pushed me to step into leadership roles, first managing corporate clients and later overseeing government portfolios. Her unwavering support, honest feedback, and ability to "see me" became the foundation of my confidence and growth.

The strength to lead with love 

She led with love—not in a superficial or sentimental way, but through genuine care, vulnerability, and an unshakable belief in the potential of others. She taught me that leadership is about serving those around you, helping them see what they are capable of, and empowering them to rise to new heights.

This love-centered leadership changed how I viewed my work and my role within the team. It wasn’t just about delivering results; it was about creating a culture where people felt seen, valued, and supported.

Paying it forward 

Now, 22 years on as a leader myself, I strive to carry forward those lessons. Over the past 18 months, I’ve worked to transform a disengaged and frustrated team into one built on trust, care, and connection. We’ve cultivated a space where vulnerability is met with psychological safety, where ideas are shared without fear, and where love—in the form of genuine care and support—ripples through everything we do.

This culture is contagious. Other teams and leaders frequently ask how we’ve achieved this transformation. My answer is simple: I love and care about my team. I ensure they feel heard, seen, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

When leaders embrace the power of love at work, they unlock not just individual potential but collective greatness. Love creates a ripple effect that starts with a single act of care and spreads through teams, organisations, and beyond.

My invitation to you

If you're a leader, I encourage you to lead with love. Recognise the potential in others, challenge them to grow, and create an environment where they feel safe to thrive. Because when we lead with love, we unlock not just human potential—but the true potential of work itself.