Something I try to remind myself often is "stop expecting you from others." It sounds simple, but it carries a powerful truth about how we relate to people at work and in life.
We all see the world through our own lens. That lens is shaped by our wiring, experiences, values, and beliefs. It influences how we interpret situations, solve problems, and respond to challenges. The tricky part? We often assume others see the world the same way we do.
They don’t.
No one else has lived your exact story, yet we expect them to think, act, and react as we would. When they don’t, frustration builds. We might find ourselves taking it personally or are in disbelief over how they see things, when in reality, it’s just a different lens.
The Power of Knowing Strengths
One of the best ways to understand these differences is through strengths-based development. When we know our own strengths, we gain insight into what makes us tick, what motivates us, and what drains us. We start to see patterns in how we lead, communicate, and make decisions.
When we take time to learn others’ strengths, we begin to understand their wiring too. That insight helps us appreciate why they do what they do, even when their approach differs from ours.
Gallup’s research supports this. Teams that focus on strengths every day see about 12% higher productivity, and employees who use their strengths daily are six times more likely to be engaged at work. When leaders and teams lean into what each person naturally does best, collaboration improves and results follow.
Working with, Not Against, Each Other
When teams understand and respect different strengths, everything works better. You start to see where each person naturally shines, who brings big ideas, who thrives on details, who connects people, and who moves projects forward.
With that awareness, you know when to lean into your own strengths and when to rely on someone else’s. Teamwork becomes more balanced and effective because everyone contributes in the way they’re wired to succeed.
Trying to be all things to all people at all times is exhausting. Once we stop doing that, space opens for us to identify the right person for each task. Sometimes that person will be you. Other times, it won’t. And that’s a good thing.
When everyone focuses on what they do best, energy levels rise, collaboration improves, and frustration fades. Instead of competing or comparing, teams build trust and respect. Each person knows their contribution matters, and the group becomes stronger because of those differences. That’s the power of embracing difference. It’s what turns a group of individuals into a true team.
Why We Need People to Be Different
It might seem easier if everyone thought and worked like you. Fewer disagreements, fewer surprises. But sameness limits us. If we all approached challenges the same way, we’d only be able to solve one kind of problem.
We need different perspectives, strengths, and ways of thinking. Diversity of wiring helps teams adapt, innovate, and achieve bigger goals than any one person could reach alone.
The Leadership Takeaway
Strong leaders help their teams understand and use their strengths. They model curiosity instead of judgment. They ask, “What drives you?” and “How can we use your strengths here?”
When we stop expecting ourselves from others, we create space for people to bring their best, not a copy of ours.
And that’s when teams thrive.
