Your greatest strengths might not exist within you at all; rather, they emerge only through your connections with others.
Strengths That Only Emerge Together
The biological “holobiont” concept shows us that when organisms form symbiotic relationships, they develop capabilities that none possess individually. A lichen (fungus + algae) can survive harsh environments where neither could alone.
This offers another perspective on professional strengths.
Some of your most valuable capabilities may emerge only in specific collaborative contexts. Think of the leadership presence that materialises when paired with a trusted co-partner. The innovative thinking that surfaces only in dialogue with certain others that spark new and different thinking. The confidence that comes from a supportive team environment.
Strengths That Only Emerge Together
The biological “holobiont” concept shows us that when organisms form symbiotic relationships, they develop capabilities that none possess individually. A lichen (fungus + algae) can survive harsh environments where neither could alone.
This offers another perspective on professional strengths.
Some of your most valuable capabilities may emerge only in specific collaborative contexts. Think of the leadership presence that materialises when paired with a trusted co-partner. The innovative thinking that surfaces only in dialogue with certain others that spark new and different thinking. The confidence that comes from a supportive team environment.
The Power of Relational Strengths
These emergent strengths aren’t visible through traditional methods that measure individuals or organisations in isolation. They exist in the spaces between or the relationship dynamics rather than individual strengths.
The Power of Relational Strengths
These emergent strengths aren’t visible through traditional methods that measure individuals or organisations in isolation. They exist in the spaces between or the relationship dynamics rather than individual strengths.
Cultivating the Conditions for Emergence
To identify and nurture emergent strengths, we need to notice which relationships consistently bring forth our best capabilities. We also need to invest in connections that spark emergent strengths, such as collaborative spaces that catalyse new forms of being and doing.
The good news is we don’t need to be individually exceptional when we know how to form and maintain relationships that generate emergent strengths.
Cultivating the Conditions for Emergence
To identify and nurture emergent strengths, we need to notice which relationships consistently bring forth our best capabilities. We also need to invest in connections that spark emergent strengths, such as collaborative spaces that catalyse new forms of being and doing.
The good news is we don’t need to be individually exceptional when we know how to form and maintain relationships that generate emergent strengths.
