How Our Character Strengths Shape the Way We Work

At Time to Connect, we’ve always known that what drives us isn’t just what we do - it’s how we do it. In a field that’s so deeply rooted in human connection, values like honesty, kindness, and perseverance aren’t just “nice to have” - they’re the foundation of meaningful, lasting impact.

That’s why we recently took the VIA Character Strengths survey as a team. It’s a free, research-based tool that helps individuals identify their unique character strengths - those core traits that shape how we think, feel, and behave.

We weren’t surprised by the results, but we were deeply affirmed. The profile didn’t just give us words on a page - it gave language to what we already see in one another every day. And most importantly, it reminded us that when we lead with our strengths, we build trust, grow together, and serve others better.

Our Team’s Strengths at a Glance

Once we’d completed our individual strength profiles, we brought them together - and what we saw was both affirming and inspiring. Each of us had a unique blend of traits, but what stood out most were the values we shared. Hope, Love, and Kindness appeared across our three profiles, painting a picture of a team rooted in optimism, compassion, and connection.

Here’s a simple breakdown of our top five strengths:

Name	1	2	3	4	5
Julie	Leadership	Spirituality	Creativity	Hope	Kindness
Claudio	Love of Learning	Hope	Love	Honesty	Kindness
Jan	Love	Honesty	Love of Learning	Perseverance	Kindness

When we look at this table, we don’t just see traits - we see the emotional fabric of how we work together: grounded in mutual respect, driven by growth, and committed to lifting others up.

What Our Strengths Mean to Us

When we first completed our strengths profile as a team, I was genuinely moved by how aligned - and yet beautifully varied - our top strengths were. Seeing Hope, Kindness, and Love emerge across the three of us instantly reaffirmed what I already felt: that Time to Connect isn’t just a project or a job - it’s a values-led mission shaped by deeply human qualities.

My own top strength, Love of Learning, was no surprise - I’ve always been someone who thrives on understanding, growing, and sharing knowledge. It reminds me why I enjoy working on projects like this so much. I also found it reassuring to see Honesty and Hope in my top five. These are qualities I try to bring into every interaction, especially when supporting people navigating challenging moments in life.

As a team, our collective strengths suggest we’re capable not only of delivering impactful work, but doing so with heart, integrity, and vision. Julie’s Leadership and Spirituality bring a grounded sense of direction and purpose to what we do, while Jan’s Perseverance and Love anchor us in resilience and meaningful connection.

This simple exercise opened up such rich reflection for me - both individually and as part of a team. I’d love for others to experience the same. That’s why I’m so keen to turn this into something practical for others to explore - whether that’s a downloadable resource, a conversation guide, or a workshop tool.

In a sector that often asks us to look outward, this was a powerful reminder of the value of looking inward, too.

Our Strengths in Practice

Understanding our strengths has been more than a reflective exercise - it’s helped us become more intentional about how we show up in our work every day. Whether we’re supporting parents, mentoring team members, or delivering training, our character strengths give us an inner compass for how we relate, respond, and lead.

My Love of Learning and Honesty naturally foster open dialogue. In workshops and mentoring sessions, I bring clarity and curiosity - always seeking ways to explore ideas together while being upfront and grounded. These strengths create a space where people feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and grow.

Julie’s Leadership and Spirituality bring direction and depth. She helps us keep sight of the bigger picture, asking not just what we do, but why we do it. Her ability to guide while listening means that even in difficult moments, there’s a sense of calm, purpose, and forward movement.

Jan’s Perseverance and Kindness shine in the way she builds trust with families and team members alike. Her unwavering commitment to seeing things through - even when challenges arise - reassures others that they’re not alone. Her gentle, caring approach puts people at ease and builds lasting rapport.

Together, these strengths don’t just complement each other - they enhance the way we connect with those we serve. They allow us to be deeply human in the way we work, and that, more than anything, is what people remember.

How Others Can Explore and Use Their Strengths

I’d wholeheartedly encourage anyone - whether working in education, care, leadership, or community work - to explore their own character strengths. Doing this as individuals is empowering, but doing it as a team can be transformational.

The VIA Character Strengths Survey is freely available online via viacharacter.org and takes just 10–15 minutes to complete. What you get in return is a clearer sense of who you are at your best. It’s not about fixing what’s “wrong” - it’s about identifying and celebrating what’s already strong.

For teams, it opens up powerful conversations. You start to notice what each person brings to the table - not just in terms of skills, but in how they lead, relate, and contribute. It can deepen mutual respect, improve communication, and help distribute responsibilities in a way that plays to each person’s natural strengths.

If you’re in a role where connection and compassion are key, this tool can bring real clarity and confidence to your practice. And for anyone supporting families, children, or staff - it’s a beautiful reminder that our values don’t just belong on paper. They live in how we act, lead, and support one another.

Conclusion: Strengths as a Shared Compass

Taking time to understand our strengths hasn’t just brought greater self-awareness - it’s brought us closer as a team. It reminded us that what binds us isn’t just what we do, but the values we lead with: kindness, love, hope, and a shared commitment to making a difference

Character strengths have become a quiet compass in how we show up - for ourselves, for each other, and for the people we support. They guide our conversations, shape our decisions, and keep us aligned with our purpose.

And that’s something we hope more teams get to experience, too.

If you’d like to bring this reflective, strengths-based approach into your own workplace, we offer tailored training for management teams and staff. Whether you’re looking to improve team culture, boost wellbeing, or align your values with your everyday practice, we’d love to help. Get in touch to learn more or book a session.