Strength-first thinking
Ability Does Not Always Appear in Conventional Settings.
Planning, creativity, communication, persistence and problem-solving may be easier to see when a young person is interested, comfortable and appropriately supported.
Instead of asking only
“Where are the difficulties?”
Also ask“Where does this person already show capability?”
Look across settings
Digital, Creative, Social and Practical Strengths
Different environments can reveal different abilities. One setting should not define the whole person.
Digital
Strategy, research, systems thinking, visual communication or technical curiosity.
Creative
Ideas, storytelling, design, making, experimentation or attention to detail.
Social
Listening, humour, collaboration, loyalty, empathy or leadership.
Practical
Building, organising, testing, repairing, moving or learning by doing.
