"I SPY" for Leaders, Parents, and YOU!

I spy with my little eye...

Do you remember that game? It's a guessing game and one of the first games preschool age children learn. The Spy chooses an object visible to all players and instead of naming it, begins to describe it, by saying things like, "I spy with my little eye, something that starts with an S..., something that is blue..., something that is the size of my head... and so on.

Players then use the clues to guess what object the Spy has in mind. It teaches children to be more observant and develop awareness of the world.

I SPY for Adults

This game is called Strengths Spotting. You can play by yourself, or with others. Even if you play by yourself, you will inevitably involve others because not only will your own boat rise with the tide of positivity and appreciation, but the boats of the people around you will rise too.

This I SPY game is all about recognizing other people's strengths, consciously and actively. It's easy and it's fun!

• 1. Learn one or two of the strengths outlined by the VIA Institute on Character. (Ideally, take their survey - linked below - and use one of your signature strengths to see it in yourself AND others.)
• 2. Practice observing people. The next time you are with someone, listen more and speak less. I believe when we are speaking our 5 senses are dulled somewhat. Being quiet and listening amplifies our attention.
• 3. Put on your I SPY Strengths glasses by listening and looking for strengths in those around you. Start with one strength that you are familiar with, maybe one of your own Signature Strengths, and add more as you know more.
• 4. If you have the opportunity, let the person know specifically how you see the particular strength(s) in them. You don't have to use explicit Strengths language; just express naturally what you see in them.
  Ex: You notice ZEST in someone. You might say, "Wow, I am really impressed and inspired by your enthusiasm for life, for this project, for your work, etc.
• 5. If appropriate, use an example or rationale for the strength you see.
  Ex:Again, for ZEST. “I see a joie de vivre in you when you interact with your spouse, employees, children, etc.”
• 6. It may go without saying but make your feedback to people genuine and honest. Focus on the connection you have made with that person.
• 7. Keep your feedback relevant to the situation you are in. This will keep it meaningful to them and to you.

A Good Game for a Great Time

I want to warn you, this game can be addictive, in the very best way. By focusing on strengths, you'll likely experience and help those around you experience

• Increased clarity and confidence. Even in difficult times, you will have tools to move forward.
• Boosted productivity. A great mood leads to better work.
• Personal development and career advancement. A natural following of the first two benefits.
• Increased energy. Much of the current burnout epidemic in the home and the workplace has to do with lack of appreciation. Appreciate your own strengths and appreciate strengths in others and see how it is generative of energy, not depleting.
• Better relationships. A focus on strengths keeps you engaged with those around you, at work, school, home, and in society-at-large.

Got Character?

The VIA Institute on Character found their 24 core strengths as they searched for Positive Psychologist Christopher Peterson's desire for "a vocabulary for speaking about the good life and an assessment strategy for investigating its components."

All 24 strengths are present in each of us, in unique and shifting combinations. Your strengths are fairly stable, but can change over time, especially through large life events like births, deaths, career changes, illness, etc.

For example, one of my Signature Strengths changed from Appreciation of Love and Beauty in 2020 to Social Intelligence in 2025. It's not that I don't appreciate love and beauty - I do - it's may just be that my focus is more outward and on other people. (My other 4 strengths of Love, Love of Learning, Curiosity and Spirituality remained at the top.)

Strengths can also be context specific. You may exhibit a perseverance and grit at work that you don't at home, for a variety of reasons. Working with your strengths can ensure that you find more balance in all areas of your life, though it's important to remember that it's a dynamic and shifting balance.

VIACharacter.org offers the only FREE Character Strengths Assessment, though as a non-profit offering this gift now for 25 years, they may need to charge in the future. Take advantage while you can by taking 10 minutes* to find out what your Signature Strengths are.

VIA Character Strengths Survey & Character Reports | VIA Institute

Do you know your character strengths? Once you do, you’ll be empowered to face life’s challenges, work toward goals and feel more fulfilled, personally and professionally. Take the free personality assessment test from the VIA Institute on Character so you can discover your strengths today.

VIA Institute On Character

*I am not affiliated with VIA Institute on Character, though I can and do use their tools in my coaching practice. The information you share with them stays with them.

Here's to living your strengths!

♥ Michele Jennae