10.04.11 The 4th Key for Evaluating a Prospective Partner’s Teamwork and Partnership Mindset

4. Are Individual Strengths Recognised and Used for Shared Goals?

Consider how the prospective partner responds to the other person’s talent, strengths and abilities. Does the person recognise and value what the other person's endowment and shows readiness to use it for shared purpose; or does she or he minimise, compete or ignore the other’s contribution? In case there is a responsibility to address, are strengths combined for progress or held back due to comparison or insecurities?

Aquila and Priscilla must have identified each other’s strengths early in their relationship. In addition to their shared strengths including a deep, accurate understanding of the christian doctrine, hospitality and leadership of a home church, courage and loyalty which was shown by laying down their own necks and tent making, adaptability and resilience, Priscilla's was strong at intellectual and theological leadership, effective mentoring in addition to being a devoted spiritual guide. Aquila's specific strengths included steady partnership and support, co-laborer or dedicated partner, as described by Paul as a "fellow worker in Christ Jesus" as well as craftsmanship and stewardship.

Nelson's story highlights the dangers of competition over collaboration. He disdained acknowledging Juliet's strengths; he deleted her well-researched projections, replaced them with his weaker version and waved her to the side during the pitch meeting as though she were an intern. This made her feel invisible, inferior and sidelined, actively preventing her strengths from contributing to shared goals.

A partner with a teamwork mindset recognises that each person brings unique strengths to the relationship, to be used in support of shared goals, not as competition. When strengths are used for partnership rather than dominance, the relationship becomes more efficient, peaceful and well-balanced. Such a partner values and leverages your strengths.