Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Dr. John Denico on his Throttle Up Leadership Podcast to explore topics close to my heart: curiosity, strengths-based leadership, and the strategies that help organizations thrive. In our conversation, we delved into how leaders can foster connection, reduce burnout, and build workplaces where people feel truly valued.
Here’s a recap of our conversation, along with insights and takeaways that I hope inspire your own leadership journey.
CliftonStrengths: A Transformational Tool for Leaders and Teams
Dr. Denico kicked things off by asking me about CliftonStrengths and why I’m so passionate about its methodology. I shared how this Gallup tool helped me during a pivotal time in my life when I felt stuck. CliftonStrengths provided me with a new way to articulate my talents and added depth to how I communicate my value to others.
Unlike other assessments like Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths offers a nuanced perspective, breaking down who you are into 34 talent themes across four domains—Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking. This level of detail provides leaders and teams with actionable insights, empowering them to align tasks with natural strengths for greater efficiency and satisfaction.
Addressing Burnout Through Curiosity and Connection
One of the major themes of our discussion was burnout—a growing challenge in today’s workforce. Dr. Denico shared his own reflections on burnout, highlighting how feelings of control and autonomy play a critical role. I built on this idea by emphasizing the power of curiosity as a method for uncovering the root causes of burnout.
By truly understanding individuals—not just as employees, but as whole people—leaders can identify misalignments between roles and strengths. Often, burnout stems not only from overwork but also from the “wrong work”—tasks that don’t align with someone’s innate talents. Using CliftonStrengths, leaders can create roles that allow employees to bring their best selves to the table, reducing burnout while boosting engagement.
Curiosity as a Leadership Superpower
Curiosity has become the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy and the foundation of my company, Lead With Curiosity. During the podcast, I explained how fostering curiosity enables leaders to see their teams through a fresh lens. By asking the right questions, leaders can uncover the unique dynamics and needs of their people, creating a culture of connection and clarity.
For example, I shared how a strengths-based approach can help leaders and teams understand and appreciate one another’s working styles. This mutual understanding strengthens collaboration, builds trust, and enhances productivity—key ingredients for retaining top talent.
The Role of Strengths in Retention
Retention is a pressing concern for many organizations, and I firmly believe that strengths-based development holds the key. Data shows that organizations embracing a strengths culture experience higher engagement, better retention, and lower burnout rates. When employees feel seen, valued, and understood, they are more likely to stay and contribute meaningfully.
Even when team members eventually move on, the investment in their development pays dividends. They carry those skills and insights into their next roles, creating a ripple effect of impact across the workforce.
Final Thoughts: A Vision for Leadership
Dr. Denico ended our conversation with a thought-provoking question: “If you had a magic wand, what would you change in the world?” My answer was simple but profound—I wish everyone could experience the development they deserve. Whether through strengths work or another approach, everyone deserves to work in environments where they feel supported and valued.
As I reflect on this conversation, I’m reminded of the incredible potential we unlock when we lead with curiosity, align people with their strengths, and prioritize connection. These are the building blocks of thriving teams, resilient leaders, and workplaces where everyone can shine.
If this resonates with you, let’s connect! I’d love to explore how strengths-based leadership and curiosity can transform your team or organization. Feel free to schedule a call or subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter for more insights.
And if you found this blog helpful, share it with your colleagues or leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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