Zest: the strengths advantage

Zest is about approaching life with excitement and energy

For product and transformation leaders, it’s the strength that inspires teams, fuels momentum, and keeps performance high even when the pressure is on

At the senior Head of, Director, General Manager, and C-Suite levels, zest becomes a visible leadership quality. Energy and enthusiasm not only set the tone, they determine the attitude with which your team approaches their challenges

Examples of underuse. A Chief Product Officer may appear disengaged and unenthusiastic about what they are trying to build, dampening team morale and making innovation feel like a chore. A General Manager who shows little energy in leading their transformation workshops risks signaling to others that the change is a burden rather than an opportunity

Examples of optimal use. A Head of Technology might enthusiastically challenge outdated governance structures that are unsuitable for the age of AI by reframing the moment as an opportunity for growth and motivate teams to lean into the cause. A CEO who brings genuine and sustained enthusiasm to their high priority strategic initiatives can build loyalty in their staff by showing time and again that they care, they can rally stakeholders by showing them their continued commitment, and build confidence to accelerate the adoption of their initiatives

Examples of overuse. Zest taken too far can become overbearing. A Transformation Director who constantly pushes high energy without recognising fatigue risks burning out their teams. A Chief Strategy Officer who insists on relentless positivity may appear tone-deaf and ignorant of legitimate concerns when it comes to practically moving from strategy to execution; undermining the trust that people have in the path that they have laid for the company

The sweet spot is zest that motivates without overwhelming. Product and transformation leaders who use this strength well create momentum, resilience, and a culture where teams feel energised to deliver impactful outcomes

Research shows that leaders who know, apply, and maximise their strengths experience higher resilience, stronger influence, and improved performance outcomes. Zest is just one of the 24 strengths that we explore in The Strengths Advantage

The Strengths Advantage

Book your team into the half-day workshop to work out what sustainable energy and motivation looks like for them, or choose the 90-minute 1:1 leader session to refine or redefine your own executive presence