Building on strengths is better than weaknesses

Even in the most difficult circumstances people and communities have much to offer. They are well placed to come up with the solutions, and to take action accordingly. Defining people by their ‘needs’ or deficits, and doing things for or to rather than with them, creates dependency. Creating conditions where people can flourish on their own terms sets them free.

The evidence for building on strengths

In 2017 we spent some time looking at this. Here is what we found:

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Asset based approaches recognise and build on the existing strengths within communities, and start with what is valued most to those living in that community.

Traditional approaches to community development come from a perspective of a community’s problems and needs, which only exacerbates issues they are facing.

Traditional approaches to community development have developed as vertical models of intervention, and are becoming increasingly expensive and unsustainable.

Asset based approaches have relevance outside of community development.

Asset based approaches have far reaching benefits for individuals and communities, and society more broadly.

Asset based approaches put people and communities at the centre of services, focusing on their needs and aspirations. This person-centred approach is gathering traction across public services.

Current structures and ways of working act as barriers to successful asset based community development, as do the challenges of ensuring meaningful inclusive participation and evaluating and measuring the impact of asset based approaches.

Examples of asset based community development in action include: Croydon ABCD Pilot Project; Link Up, Inspiring Scotland; and valuing nurses as assets: The Buurtzorg care model.

**Insights from our members and others**

We've published a collection of essays about this and other propositions which show how our members and others are putting this into practice. Here's what they have to say on building on strengths.

If you have a good example of this principle that you would like to share, please get in touch.

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