Listening for and Building on Strengths

Each member within any team or group brings different strengths. We are energised and grow when we use our strengths. As strengths are utilised, they are often enhanced. Most importantly when we draw on and incorporate other people’s strengths, we typically create something far better than would have been achieved by an individual. Within families, community groups, schools and workplaces young people bring great strengths. These can include energy, wonder, different ways of seeing the world and thinking, skills, problem solving and the capacity to connect and care for people and the environment. At Pacific, our young people contribute an enormous amount to the shaping of culture, enhancement of community, the care for people and the environment, the provision of opportunities and providing different perspectives. Young people’s joy, energy, curiosity, sense of fun, excitement, insights and satisfaction of growing through challenge is inspirational and transformational.

Growing with young people involves trust, listening, providing space for them to contribute their strengths and to learn through doing together. Through the sharing of mutual responsibility, we all grow capacity. Just as God walks with us, we are encouraged to walk with and learn together.