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- Light on Leadership
Light on Leadership
Smart hiring isn’t luck—it’s leadership.
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Welcome to Light on Leadership! In under two minutes, our newsletter delivers one book recommendation, one leadership action step, and two leadership tips. We know you're busy, so we've designed this content to be both useful and shareable. Enjoy!
What are we reading? Now, Discover Your Strengths.
- by Buckingham & Clifton
In Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton challenge us to rethink how we view talent and leadership. One of the most powerful takeaways early in the book is the reminder to “hire for talent and train for skill.” It’s a mindset that separates thriving organizations from those that merely function.
Think about it, have you ever been on a team with too much talent? Probably not. Every strong organization is built by intentionally adding individuals who bring fresh abilities, unique perspectives, and natural strengths that elevate the group.
The authors also present an intriguing concept: traits we often label as weaknesses can become valuable assets when placed in the right context. A quality that seems disruptive or unconventional in one setting might be exactly what drives innovation, creativity, or resilience in another.
As leaders, our challenge is to identify the distinctive strengths of each team member—and then strategically position people where their natural talents can shine. When we lead with this mindset, we don’t just build teams that perform; we build teams that grow, engage, and inspire one another toward collective success.
👉 Quick Action Step:
This week, look for one team member whose potential may be hidden by a perceived weakness. How might that trait become a strength in a different context?
Purchase this book! https://www.amazon.com/Discover-Your-Strengths-Marcus-Buckingham/dp/0743201140
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Two Tips
This short video reminds us that the best hires aren’t just about skills—they’re about finding people whose passion and potential align with your team’s purpose. It’s a great reminder that hiring the right person means looking beyond the résumé to see who they can become.
“Hire people who are smarter than you are and then get out of their way.”
– Howard Schultz
