Two Strengths and a Lie: Discover Your Talents Through Play

Discover Your Strengths Through Play: The 'Two Strengths and a Lie' Exercise

Ever played 'Two Truths and a Lie'? In this twist, we flip the script—and make it all about strengths. Instead of two truths and one lie, each person shares two real strengths and one made-up one. The rest of the group guesses which one doesn’t fit. The result? Laughter, lightbulb moments, and a playful way to explore your talents.

This exercise is perfect for workshops, team-building, or reflecting on individual strengths. It’s easy to set up, requires almost no prep, and instantly creates a relaxed atmosphere. But how does it work exactly—and why should you give it a try?

How the Exercise Works Step by Step

'Two Strengths and a Lie' is quick to explain and works in almost any setting. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preparation: Each person thinks of two real strengths and one fictional one ahead of time. Pro tip: Use the official Strengthmaker talent themes like Creativity, Leadership, or Fairness. This adds structure and makes the exercise even more engaging.
2. Execution: One by one, each person presents their three strengths—without revealing which one is made up. The others guess which one doesn’t belong. Whoever guesses correctly earns a point.
3. Reflection: After the round, discuss why certain strengths were perceived as the 'lie.' Often, this reveals fascinating insights about self-perception and how others see us.

Why the Exercise Works So Well

This method combines three key elements that make it especially effective:

• Playful approach: The competitive element brings the exercise to life and makes it fun. It lightens the mood and encourages interaction.
• Focus on strengths: Participants actively engage with their talents in a way that’s less analytical than traditional strengths assessments. This often leads to surprising discoveries.
• Team dynamics: The exercise fosters listening and mutual understanding. It also shows how differently strengths can be perceived.

A Fictional Example: How One Team Experienced the Exercise

Imagine: A mid-sized IT company used 'Two Strengths and a Lie' in a team development workshop. The participants came from different departments and only knew each other superficially. After a quick introduction, the round began.

A team leader shared these strengths: 'Analytical Thinking,' 'Human Insight,' and 'Creativity.' The others immediately guessed 'Creativity' was the lie—but they were wrong. She explained that while she was often praised for her analytical skills, she actually spent a lot of time coming up with creative solutions for client problems. This surprised many and sparked a lively discussion about the gap between self-perception and how others see us.

By the end of the workshop, several participants said they had not only gotten to know their colleagues’ strengths better but also gained clearer insight into their own talents. The shift in perspective was especially valuable: Suddenly, it became clear how differently people assess their own strengths—and how important it is to talk about it.

The Science Behind Strengths Reflection

Positive psychology, particularly the work of Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson, shows that consciously engaging with our strengths boosts well-being and performance. Gallup studies also prove that teams who know and use their strengths are more productive and satisfied.

'Two Strengths and a Lie' taps into these findings and makes them tangible. The exercise doesn’t just encourage self-reflection—it also fosters appreciation for the diversity within a team. After all, strengths are subjective—and that’s what makes them so fascinating.

Midway Summary: An Exercise with Big Impact

'Two Strengths and a Lie' is more than just a game. It’s a simple but powerful way to bring teams together, make strengths visible, and improve communication. The exercise works well for:

• Icebreakers in workshops
• Team-building activities
• Regular reflection sessions
• Onboarding new employees

The biggest advantage? It requires almost no prep and works in almost any setting. Give it a try—and watch how your team’s dynamics shift.

Tips for Running the Exercise

To make the exercise even more effective, here are a few practical tips:

• Time management: Plan about 3–5 minutes per person, depending on group size. For larger teams, you can run the exercise in small groups.
• Strengths catalog: Use a predefined list of strengths (like the Strengthmaker talent themes) to simplify the selection process and structure the discussion.
• Facilitation: Good moderation is key. Make sure everyone gets a turn and that the reflection doesn’t stay too superficial.
• Variations: For advanced groups, you can extend the exercise by asking afterward: 'Which strength would you also attribute to this person?' This deepens mutual understanding.

Final takeaway: 'Two Strengths and a Lie' is a simple yet powerful exercise that brings teams closer and makes strengths visible. It blends play with reflection—and creates exactly the kind of 'aha' moments that are so valuable in strengths-based leadership.

Originally published on LinkedIn.