I once worked for a company that firmly believed in helping their staff understand their strengths and how they can use those strengths when at work and also in their personal lives. As a result, I have become a big proponent of this as well and I also test myself to see if there are any changes in my own strengths.
Knowing the strengths of those you work with can also help us learn how we can work together to achieve optimal performance and also helps people get a long at work. This provides a healthy environment to work in which also helps please to work more efficiently and effectively.
I recently completed my latest strengths test using a tool called CliftonStrengths 34 © and there have been some changes, but the number one strength has remained the same. I thought I would share with you my top five (5) strengths and what the top one means as to give you an idea of what makes me work.
- Communication (Influencing)
How you can thrive
You generally find it easy to put your thoughts into words. You are a good conversationalist and presenter.
Why Your Communication is Unique
By nature, you probably derive far less satisfaction from your work or studies when you are separated from your friends. Partnering with them usually motivates you to work very hard to complete tasks and reach goals.
Instinctively, you value what others have to say. You pay attention to the observations they make. You acquire knowledge skills, and insights from your peers during group conversations. You exhibit a strong inclination to participate in dialogue with others so new ideas are brought to everyone’s attention.
It’s very likely that you occasionally marvel at your ability to vividly express your thoughts and feelings.
Driven by your talents, you can often take part in thought-filled conversations with your collogues or classmates. Together, you sift through possibilities. You assess the pros and cons of each person’s innovative theories, suggestions, or proposals. During these verbal exchanges, ideas expand, narrow and take on new forms. You thrive in settings where everyone feels safe thinking out loud.
Chances are good that you generally keep discussions and light conversation moving when you are chatting with someone you know well.
Why You Succeed Using Communication
You are good at capturing people’s attention by what you say and how you say it. Your ability to find words for your own and other’s thoughts and feelings highlights important messages and helps you make meaningful connections.
Take Action To Maximize Your Potential
Use your gift for stimulating conversation to connect with an inspire others.
- Monitor your audience. Carefully watch how they react to what you say and what engages them. Identify the words and phrases that caught their attention. Refine your upcoming presentations, conversations and speeches to focus on these highlights.
- Keep getting smarter about the words you use. They are a critical currency for you. Spend them wisely and monitor their impact.
- Take your Communication talents to the level of strength by developing your knowledge and expertise in specific areas. You can be highly effective and influential when your message has substance.
- Keep your best stories top of mind, and practice telling them, so you get better each time. You excel at capturing people’s attention.
- Use your talents to build consensus among your peers. Get them talking and help them put their ideas or feelings into words.
Watch Out For Blind Spots
- Because you are naturally verbal and instinctively share your thoughts, you may not realize when you are monopolizing a discussion. Try to be mindful of when other people have something to say and consider pausing so they can say it.
- Remember that your words are not always enough to motivate others. Take time to listen and pay attention to what others are saying – and NOT saying.
I have always been a strong communicator. Most people would tell you that you will always know what I am thinking because I am not afraid to say it. This is a strength and a weakness. You see with strong communication skills you run the risk of communicating too much and not really saying anything. It is important for someone like me with this strength to carefully think about what needs to be communicated and how to properly get that across. When you do this and are able to effectively relay messages, people will respect you more and understand your intentions and motivations clearly. This makes for a very strong leader.
The other four (4) of my top five (5) are as follows:
- Arranger – You can organize, but you also have a flexibility that complements this ability. You like to determine how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.
- Developer – You recognize and cultivate the potential in others. You spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from evidence of progress.
- Futuristic – You are inspired by the future and what could be. You energize others with you visions of the future.
- Woo – You love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. You derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with someone.
If you would like to know more about Gallup Strengths Finder (CliftonStrengths) you can do so by going to their website www.gallupstrengthscentre.com . I encourage you to take one of the tests and find out your strengths and how to use them.
To learn more about [Clari.ty] Solutions please contact us by email, or phone as listed below:
Scott Caslick, CEO/Founder
226-777-6116 ext. 101