ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the potential benefits of a strengths-based approach. It examines how coaches can bring character strengths focus into practice, through the use of validated assessment tools, character strengths interventions, and strengths-focused questioning. While character strengths interventions used by coaches may take varied forms, one of the simplest and most popular interventions in positive psychology, "use a signature strength in a new way," is outlined as a three-step approach: take the Values in Action Survey, identify one of readers highest signature strengths, and use that strength in a new way each day for one week. One of the most significant findings in the positive psychology intervention literature is on the value of helping a client to identify and use their signature strengths which typically come up highest in an individual's strengths assessment results. Strengths coaching is founded on the assumption that positive attributes exist within every person and that these can be built upon to enable human potential.
