Every Door Has a Story — Just Like People

Doors Series - Post 3

I took so many photos of doors in Portugal that my camera roll looks like I work for the Portuguese Door Appreciation Society. (If that’s a real thing, I’d like an honorary membership, please.)

But it wasn’t just the doors that captured me—it was the differences. The colors, the frames, the cracks, the tiles, the age, the personality. Some looked centuries old. Some looked freshly painted. Some had ornate brass knockers. Others had chipped wood and stories carved into them by time.

Every door had a story.
Every door had a reason for being exactly the way it was.

And that, of course, made me think about people.

This is where my Individualization strength kicks in. I love seeing what makes each person unique—how their experiences, talents, and quirks shape how they show up. No two people bring the same combination of strengths or the same “design” to a room.

Teams are the same way.
Boards are the same way.
Communities are the same way.

We sometimes get caught up wanting everyone to fit one mold. Lead the same way. Communicate the same way. Work the same way. But sameness doesn’t build strong teams—difference does.

What if we celebrated the uniqueness of each “door”?
What if we got curious instead of frustrated?
What if we looked for the story behind the style?

Underneath the chipped paint, the polished finish, or the brightly colored surface is a history that shaped who they are today.

So the next time you’re working with your team, your board, or even navigating relationships at home, remember this: everyone has a story. And when we honor the story, we unlock understanding. And understanding unlocks connection.

Portugal reminded me that beauty isn’t in matching styles.
It’s in celebrating the differences.

If your team needs help understanding each other’s stories—and strengths—I’d love to help. CliftonStrengths team sessions through Starfish Partnerships open the “doors” to clearer communication, stronger trust, and a whole lot more appreciation for the unique people in the room.