styrkleikar

Styrkleikar is a term used in Icelandic-language contexts to refer to a person’s strongest abilities, talents, or competencies. The concept aligns with a strengths-based approach found in education, career counseling, and human resources, emphasizing the identification and development of positive capabilities rather than focusing solely on weaknesses.

The term is employed in schools, workplaces, and coaching settings to help individuals recognize what they do well and to leverage those strengths in learning, performance, and collaboration. Identification typically involves self-assessment, feedback from peers and supervisors, and structured inventories or exercises. The insights from assessing styrkleikar can inform learning plans, career guidance, team composition, and performance development strategies.

In practice, styrkleikar are used to guide task allocation, tailor professional development, and design roles that fit individuals’ strengths. The approach often complements other assessments that address gaps or challenges, supporting a more holistic view of a person’s capabilities within a given context.

Critics of the strengths-focused framework argue that an exclusive emphasis on strengths may overlook important weaknesses or skill gaps and can risk neglecting broad competency development or situational demands. Proponents counter that a balanced use of styrkleikar, combined with awareness of development needs, can foster motivation, engagement, and sustained growth.

See also: strengths-based approaches, positive psychology, talent development.