This one is more common than I wish it was, and we can all relate in some way. I know I can.
For as much as a Strengths-oriented perspective champions the value and opportunity in ALL talent, there are still many people who see their StrengthsFinder results and think, “Ugh, not so sure I really like these Strengths.”
There is SO much to unpack in that one statement.
Where StrengthsFinder is identifying unique talent, they may see a shady portrait of their past. They hear the natural patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior loud and clear in their own lives, yet instead of an association with Strength, they see a plague.
Those “Strengths” have gotten them in trouble, created stress, been ridiculed, been reprimanded. We can all relate in some way.
I know I can.
There have been times that I have felt embarrassed by my need for clarity and structure brought around by my high-executing Strengths. I have felt uptight when others around me are relaxed and able to go with the flow. I have had eyes rolled in my direction more than once. I have certainly been over prepared, much to the ridicule of my counterparts.
I’ve been there.
To know that the way I am wired does not sit well with others, has made me think twice about wielding my Strengths during those insecure moments. It becomes difficult to reconcile my insecurity with the fact that leaning into {and not away from} those innate Strengths is my BEST opportunity to succeed.
I have a brilliant and ambitious friend who originally posed this question, back when I was first introduced to StrengthsFinder in 2007. In fact, she even caught me off guard with her wit by using self-prescribed words to describe her StrengthsFinder Top 5 Strengths:
Showboat
Talkative
Bossy
Impatient
Insecure
Ha! I laughed at first. {Because it’s kinda hysterical that she came up with those shadowy words so quickly!}
And then realized it is true. We don’t always LOVE every Theme in our Top 5 Strengths.
Today, on this Q&A Day, Episode 20 of Isogo TV | Live & Work Your Strengths Video Podcast, I am answering that question. What if I don’t like my StrengthsFinder Top 5 Themes? {or at least one of them!} I explore the {actual} Strengths of this friend of mine and the two perspectives that will change everything.
I’ve seen it, and I’m living it. So let’s explore.
So if you have not identified your own {brilliant!} Strengths, do it. Today.
It takes 35 minutes, and it is life changing.
You can do it right here in a bundle that includes the Gallup StrengthsFinder® AND Strengths Startup directly from me. StrengthsFinder zeros in on your natural talents and Strengths Startup is a 6-week customized email series that helps you begin to put Your Top 5 Strengths to work. If you’ve already done the StrengthsFinder assessment, you can get Strengths Startup all by itself {click here and scroll to the bottom to get access!}
So click on the infographic below to get started.
For our next Q&A Day, I’d love to answer a question that YOU have about StrengthsFinder or the Strengths perspective. Contact me directly to ask me your question, and I’ll take a stab at it!
LINKS | RESOURCES | a LITTLE ASK
Links & Resources from Today’s Episode
StrengthsFinder + Strengths Startup
My little ask?
If you loved this Episode and think others would benefit from it, please rate and review over at iTunes. It helps get the word out to others just like you! And I really appreciate it.
As always, one of the best places to join the Strengths conversation is over at our Facebook Group — Energy Up Frustration Down by Strengths. Join us for weekly chatting, complaining and commending, as we all try to figure out just how to use our Strengths to impact the most important things around us—in our work and life.
In the meantime and beyond, I would love to hear from you and help you. So, if you’re thinking about the way a Strengths-perspective could impact your marriage or your family or you’re just not so sure about it all, reach out, and let’s connect about it. You can catch me at Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, all @isogostrong, or by this handy contact form.
Enjoy your day, and {be strong}!
