Unlocking growth: how strength-based learning empowers supply chain professionals
11 Nov 20247 min read
Summary
- As technology reshapes supply chains, professionals must keep learning with intention, not just to stay current. True relevance comes from knowing one’s strengths and aligning growth with what comes naturally. Using tools like Gallup’s “Themes,” professionals can focus their learning on areas where they perform best, making it both efficient and meaningful.
- Micro-credentials provide a practical way to build new technical skills such as blockchain or data analytics without pursuing full degrees. Reverse mentorship programs, where younger employees share digital expertise with senior professionals, help bridge knowledge gaps and accelerate digital readiness across teams.
- Cross-industry collaboration also brings valuable insights, allowing professionals to adapt innovations from sectors like healthcare or technology. The most lasting growth happens when learning builds on natural strengths, turning professional development into a source of both confidence and performance.
A few weeks ago, I had an insightful conversation with a senior executive who has spent over 20 years in the industry. He voiced a concern that’s becoming more common: the fear of losing out to younger talent in today’s competitive landscape. He wondered whether acquiring new skills or knowledge could boost his marketability.
While I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning—because it fosters fresh ideas and encourages new ways of thinking—I caution against learning simply for the sake of keeping up with others. It’s like pursuing an MBA just because it seems like the norm, with the assumption that it will automatically lead to a better job. My advice has always been to focus on leveraging your strengths.
So, what are your strengths? Your strengths are the natural abilities you’ve honed through continuous practice. Here’s a simple exercise: try writing your name with your non-dominant hand. Can you do it as well as with your dominant hand? Probably not. But if you practiced for 10 minutes every day, would it improve? Yes, but it would still never match the ease and fluidity of your dominant hand. The takeaway is that when you focus on something you truly enjoy, learning feels effortless and never becomes a chore.
While there are countless platforms to learn about any subject, staying relevant in the ever-changing tech landscape begins with understanding yourself. How well do you really know your own strengths and motivations? Here are a few key questions to consider:
What drives you the most in your daily work? Is it meeting project deadlines, filling your schedule with meetings, carving out time for strategic thinking, or mentoring others?
What do you excel at naturally? Are you skilled at managing multiple projects, handling difficult clients, or resolving conflicts within the team?
These questions form what I like to call a “strengths inventory,” or what Gallup refers to as “Themes.” By identifying and embracing your natural strengths, you can create a personalized learning roadmap that builds on what you’re already great at.
Take a look at this report that shows the top 5 strengths:
While I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning—because it fosters fresh ideas and encourages new ways of thinking—I caution against learning simply for the sake of keeping up with others. It’s like pursuing an MBA just because it seems like the norm, with the assumption that it will automatically lead to a better job. My advice has always been to focus on leveraging your strengths.
So, what are your strengths? Your strengths are the natural abilities you’ve honed through continuous practice. Here’s a simple exercise: try writing your name with your non-dominant hand. Can you do it as well as with your dominant hand? Probably not. But if you practiced for 10 minutes every day, would it improve? Yes, but it would still never match the ease and fluidity of your dominant hand. The takeaway is that when you focus on something you truly enjoy, learning feels effortless and never becomes a chore.
While there are countless platforms to learn about any subject, staying relevant in the ever-changing tech landscape begins with understanding yourself. How well do you really know your own strengths and motivations? Here are a few key questions to consider:
What drives you the most in your daily work? Is it meeting project deadlines, filling your schedule with meetings, carving out time for strategic thinking, or mentoring others?
What do you excel at naturally? Are you skilled at managing multiple projects, handling difficult clients, or resolving conflicts within the team?
These questions form what I like to call a “strengths inventory,” or what Gallup refers to as “Themes.” By identifying and embracing your natural strengths, you can create a personalized learning roadmap that builds on what you’re already great at.
Take a look at this report that shows the top 5 strengths:
A look into the strengths inventory
Consider the theme of Significance. People who excel in this area seek more than just a job—they want their role to make a lasting impact. If this is one of your core strengths, look at your current position and identify areas where you can make an even greater contribution. By doing so, you’ll be choosing to learn in ways that benefit both your career and the organization, ensuring that your efforts lead to meaningful results.
Similarly, the Futuristic theme resonates with those who are energized by what lies ahead and can inspire others with their vision of the future. If this aligns with your strengths, focus on improving your communication skills to better articulate your ideas and dreams. By honing these abilities, you can guide others toward a shared future while selecting areas of growth that align with your forward-thinking nature.
If Individualization is one of your strengths, you excel at understanding how different people can work together effectively. You recognize the unique qualities in everyone and tailor your approach to each individual. With this strength, you might focus on mentoring—leveraging the protégé effect, where teaching others enhances your own learning. By helping others grow, you sharpen your own skills and deepen your understanding.
For those who are especially Focused, following through on instructions and staying on track are natural abilities. This strength can shape how you approach learning, guiding you to concentrate on areas where your abilities or interests naturally align. By narrowing your focus, you ensure your learning efforts are both efficient and impactful.
Meanwhile, Maximizers see potential everywhere and believe that “best” is just the starting point. If this is your strength, you’re constantly seeking ways to improve. You learn from every task and mistake, always pushing for excellence. Rather than just mastering theories, you focus on applying what you’ve learned to improve outcomes. You set goals, identify areas for growth and turn each step into an opportunity for continuous improvement. By doing this, you create a micro-learning environment where growth is constant and progress is ongoing.
There are 34 themes in total, and each individual’s combination is unique. It’s rare to find two people with the same top five strengths, and even if they share the same themes, the order will differ—meaning they apply their strengths in distinct ways.
While learning is essential, true growth comes from self-awareness. Without a clear understanding of your strengths, weaknesses and learning preferences, even the best educational opportunities may not fully deliver.
By knowing yourself, you can unlock your full potential, tailor your learning journey and ensure that every experience contributes meaningfully to both your personal and professional development.
As you continue to deepen your self-awareness, let’s explore how you can keep learning—especially as a supply chain professional—while building on the strengths that already set you apart.
Similarly, the Futuristic theme resonates with those who are energized by what lies ahead and can inspire others with their vision of the future. If this aligns with your strengths, focus on improving your communication skills to better articulate your ideas and dreams. By honing these abilities, you can guide others toward a shared future while selecting areas of growth that align with your forward-thinking nature.
If Individualization is one of your strengths, you excel at understanding how different people can work together effectively. You recognize the unique qualities in everyone and tailor your approach to each individual. With this strength, you might focus on mentoring—leveraging the protégé effect, where teaching others enhances your own learning. By helping others grow, you sharpen your own skills and deepen your understanding.
For those who are especially Focused, following through on instructions and staying on track are natural abilities. This strength can shape how you approach learning, guiding you to concentrate on areas where your abilities or interests naturally align. By narrowing your focus, you ensure your learning efforts are both efficient and impactful.
Meanwhile, Maximizers see potential everywhere and believe that “best” is just the starting point. If this is your strength, you’re constantly seeking ways to improve. You learn from every task and mistake, always pushing for excellence. Rather than just mastering theories, you focus on applying what you’ve learned to improve outcomes. You set goals, identify areas for growth and turn each step into an opportunity for continuous improvement. By doing this, you create a micro-learning environment where growth is constant and progress is ongoing.
There are 34 themes in total, and each individual’s combination is unique. It’s rare to find two people with the same top five strengths, and even if they share the same themes, the order will differ—meaning they apply their strengths in distinct ways.
While learning is essential, true growth comes from self-awareness. Without a clear understanding of your strengths, weaknesses and learning preferences, even the best educational opportunities may not fully deliver.
By knowing yourself, you can unlock your full potential, tailor your learning journey and ensure that every experience contributes meaningfully to both your personal and professional development.
As you continue to deepen your self-awareness, let’s explore how you can keep learning—especially as a supply chain professional—while building on the strengths that already set you apart.
Lifelong learning via micro-credentials
An effective way to professionally continue learning are micro-credentials. These are short, focused qualifications that certify specific skill sets. It’s a great way to grow professionally without diving into a full degree program. What’s great about them is how flexible they are-you can fit them into your life, even if you have a busy schedule.
Caroline Steel, who’s a principal consultant at Anthology, mentioned something that stuck with me: “They have the possibility to break down the traditional barriers to education and make it more flexible for people who may already be working two or three jobs that just need to improve their circumstances,”
So, let’s say you’re really interested in tech-there are micro credentials for things like blockchain technology. Imagine how much it could boost your understanding of how to use it in supply chain management (SCM).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a MIT’s Micromasters Program in SCM that dives into emerging tech like machine learning and data organization. It’s designed to reflect the latest industry trends, so you’d always be up to speed.
Caroline Steel, who’s a principal consultant at Anthology, mentioned something that stuck with me: “They have the possibility to break down the traditional barriers to education and make it more flexible for people who may already be working two or three jobs that just need to improve their circumstances,”
So, let’s say you’re really interested in tech-there are micro credentials for things like blockchain technology. Imagine how much it could boost your understanding of how to use it in supply chain management (SCM).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a MIT’s Micromasters Program in SCM that dives into emerging tech like machine learning and data organization. It’s designed to reflect the latest industry trends, so you’d always be up to speed.
Reverse mentorship
Now, reverse mentorship is another approach. It flips the traditional mentorship model on its head. Instead of the senior professional guiding the junior, it’s younger, often more tech-savvy employees mentoring older colleagues.
I think this is genius- young professionals are often more plugged into the latest technologies, and the more experienced pros bring the industry knowledge. Safdar Khan, Mastercard’s SEA Division President, said, “This reverse mentoring is a great way for seasoned executives to bridge any knowledge gaps around new technology.” says
PwC China tried this and ran a pilot reverse mentoring program in 2021. It involved 31 pairs ranging from associate to partner grades. It worked so well that by 2022, the programme was formalized to have 100 participants.
I think this is genius- young professionals are often more plugged into the latest technologies, and the more experienced pros bring the industry knowledge. Safdar Khan, Mastercard’s SEA Division President, said, “This reverse mentoring is a great way for seasoned executives to bridge any knowledge gaps around new technology.” says
PwC China tried this and ran a pilot reverse mentoring program in 2021. It involved 31 pairs ranging from associate to partner grades. It worked so well that by 2022, the programme was formalized to have 100 participants.
Cross-industry collaboration
Something else to keep in mind is how industries are blending together. Cross-industry collaboration is an amazing way to pick up new ideas. By connecting with people in different fields, you can bring in fresh perspectives and adapt new tech to SCM.
For instance, you could learn alot from healthcare, with its advanced inventory systems. The tech industry as well, which is leading the way in data analytics and AI. Siddharth Misra, Minet Global Trading Managing Director, said something that rings true: “By working closely with partners from different sectors, businesses gain insights into alternative approaches, best practices and new perspectives.”
For instance, you could learn alot from healthcare, with its advanced inventory systems. The tech industry as well, which is leading the way in data analytics and AI. Siddharth Misra, Minet Global Trading Managing Director, said something that rings true: “By working closely with partners from different sectors, businesses gain insights into alternative approaches, best practices and new perspectives.”
Strength-based learning
Now, here’s where it all ties back to your strengths. There’s no shortage of ways to learn, but focusing on what you’re already good at-that’s the key. A Gallup study showed that when people focus on their strengths, engagement skyrockets from 9% to 73%.
So when you’re looking to learn new tech, don’t just pick something at random. Build on what you’re naturally drawn to. When your learning is aligned with your strengths, not only will the knowledge stick, but you’ll also be able to use it in meaningful ways.
It’s all about making sure your growth is intentional and rooted in who you are.
So when you’re looking to learn new tech, don’t just pick something at random. Build on what you’re naturally drawn to. When your learning is aligned with your strengths, not only will the knowledge stick, but you’ll also be able to use it in meaningful ways.
It’s all about making sure your growth is intentional and rooted in who you are.