Without a great deal of hard work, talent alone is never enough. Without natural talent, a lot of hard work will yield little return. Therefore, when considering where to invest one's time, energy, and attention, Gallup research indicates that the best place to start is in an area of strength. Yet by no means does any of our research suggest that people should ignore their weaknesses. To do so, especially in the classroom or workplace, is reckless.
All of Gallup's development programs focus on helping individuals to build on their strengths and to determine how their weaknesses can best be managed. Our strengths-based approached has helped students to increase retention, academic engagement, perceived academic control, hope, and wellbeing. Likewise, strengths can help staff and faculty increase productivity, drive performance, and improve areas with underperforming management or leadership. We do not advise ignoring areas of weakness; the result would be detrimental to a campus's impact -- and likely an individual's career.