Over two decades ago, I began my teaching career. Like many new educators, I was evaluated often — by mentors, professors and even my students. I read every evaluation carefully because I genuinely wanted to grow.
But instead of celebrating what was working, I fixated on what wasn’t.
No matter how many positive comments I received, my attention landed on the critiques. Those few notes about weaknesses became louder than all the encouragement combined. Over time, this mindset left me feeling as though improvement meant correcting everything that was “wrong” with me.
For much of my career, growth meant identifying gaps and trying to fix them. Rarely did I consider how much stronger I could become by leaning into what was already working. Now, I see how limiting that approach was.
What if growth isn’t primarily about repairing weaknesses, but about developing strengths? When we focus on what we naturally do well and truly invest in and own those abilities, we become better employees, leaders and often happier, more fulfilled people. Strengths energize us. They allow us to show up more confidently and authentically.
Recently, I took the CliftonStrengths assessment, and for the first time, I saw my strengths clearly articulated. It was empowering. Some qualities I had minimized, worried they might appear too proud or make others uncomfortable, were confirmed as genuine strengths.
That belief was flawed. We often talk about “glow-ups,” celebrating growth and transformation.
Emily Griesing recently wrote about defining and owning your brand and accomplishments. I would add strengths to that list. But when we experience that growth — in our mindset, careers or even appearance — we sometimes hesitate to embrace it fully. We dim our light so others won’t feel overshadowed.
Yet owning our glow doesn’t diminish anyone else. In fact, it gives others permission to shine as well.
A dear friend and mentor once told me, “When I am my best self, I also want you to be your best self.” That resonated deeply. When I embrace my strengths instead of minimizing them, I create space for others to recognize and own theirs. Confidence, when rooted in authenticity rather than comparison, is contagious.
So how do we do this? First, we need to identify our strengths. You might take a strengths assessment like CliftonStrengths, or ask colleagues, bosses, family or friends what they see in you.
You can also reflect on what comes naturally and what energizes you. Next, be proud of those strengths. Look for opportunities to deepen them. Commit to owning them fully, without minimizing how powerful they are.
To build your strengths, you can:
- Display a visible reminder of the strength you are developing.
- Journal about how it supports different areas of your life and celebrate what it helps you accomplish.
- Use that strength to empower others and celebrate theirs in return.
When we own our strengths, when we allow ourselves to glow, we stay grounded in confidence and empower others to thrive alongside us.
About Alicia Gleed, Community Building Officer, The Road Home
Alicia Gleed is a seasoned nonprofit leader with nearly two decades of service at The Road Home, where she currently serves as Community Building Officer. During her 19-year tenure, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s voice, visibility and connection to the broader community. As former Director of Marketing and Communications, Alicia guided the agency’s public presence through periods of significant growth and change.
With a background in classroom education and strategic storytelling, Alicia brings both empathy and clarity to complex social issues. She is deeply committed to building inclusive systems and challenging the narratives that surround homelessness. Alicia holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Utah Valley University and continues to expand her perspective through ongoing study in art and marketing.
She is driven by a simple but powerful belief: strong communities ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
*Any reference obtained from this blog to a specific initiative, issue or topic does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the Salt Lake Chamber. The views and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect those of the Salt Lake Chamber.
