Discover and label the genius hidden in every teammate

You’re in a team meeting when Sarah calmly untangles a tangled Excel formula no one else can fix. You watch her click through cells as if she’s reading a familiar map. You realize she’s doing effortlessly what others struggle with.

Later that day, you jot down a note: “Sarah’s native genius is simplifying complex data.” You test this by asking her to coach you on a report for the board. She dives in with enthusiasm, quickly renaming tabs and refereeing formulas until you both understand the flow.

By labeling and celebrating that strength, you’ve unlocked Sarah’s full contribution. She beams with confidence, eager to hear where else her data-decoding superpower can help.

Cognitive psychology shows that naming a strength not only boosts confidence but creates a self-fulfilling loop of improved performance and initiative (Dweck, Stanford Studies). When people see their gifts recognized, they lean into challenges and expand their skills further.

Tonight, take two minutes to jot down the three tasks your team members do most effortlessly—then ask each one, “What about ___ feels easiest to you?” Watch their eyes light up, own their genius, and see how quickly they step up when they know you see their hidden strengths. Give it a try tonight.