The good doctor has NO Relationship Strengths. Poor guy.
By looking at his StrengthsFinder Talent Themes:
Achiever
Learner
Maximizer
Strategic
Deliberative
…you might assume he has a questionable bedside manner. Or maybe he’s a researcher. Or one of those surgeons who leaves the relating-to-patients aspect to his assistants.
He could certainly write off the relationships with the assertion that he is wired for being a brilliant thinker and hard charging executor and would leave the relationships to others.
After all, that’s what he is naturally “Strong” at, right?
But instead, everyone (including him!) was surprised to find that he is void of any of the natural “relationship” oriented Strengths in his Top 5.
He is a meticulous, brilliant, honest surgeon, but what he is acclaimed for by his patients is his genuine care for them. And he cares for them through wielding his natural wiring, not by writing it off, or trying to be something he’s not.
Perhaps Learner drives his curiosity about the patients he works with and the makeup of their families and dreams. His Strategic & Maximizer could paint a picture of the level of excellence that is possible for his patients and their families as they face a physical impairment that they cannot see beyond. His Deliberative Strength has already considered the risks. He understands the delicate balance of family and the unexpected challenges of life, so he sets out an honest and yet hopeful course for them.
And, all of a sudden he has achieved genuine care. He has touched them. Without a single Relationship Strength!
Today, in our Q&A Episode 32 on Isogo TV :: Live and Work Your Strengths Video Podcast, I get the fun challenge of answering a question of the naysayers out there. A favorite challenge of mine! This week I share my direct and yet friendly response to the question “Isn’t StrengthsFinder just an excuse to suck?”
Yes, this is a question I have heard more than once!
I drive home a common misconception about the Strengths-Perspective and approach to development and give you a straightforward way to proceed when you are “lacking” Strengths in an area you need.
Similar to the good doctor and to myself as well, lack of Strengths is no excuse, so let’s explore!
Isn’t this just the best? We really can be MORE through our Strengths without shirking the responsibilities that come from the areas of our lesser strength.
As you’re exploring HOW to neutralize weaknesses while leaning into your Strengths, feel free to consider some of these other resources that walk you through steps to:
- Use the Volume Dial metaphor to find your place of flow and maximum productivity & impact.
- Neutralize weaknesses while boosting your energy (two blog posts and ITV episodes – Part 1 and Part 2).
- Experience an overarching life-change in the way you approach your most important roles and most important relationships with these 9 Steps to Life Change through Your Strengths.
If you are still searching for that path to more thriving success, more energizing moments, and less frustration, then you have to check out Strengths Startup. It is a 6 week email series that is fully customized to you and your Top 5 StrengthsFinder Talent Themes.
Each weekly email helps you hone in on the value and edge of one of YOUR Top 5 Strengths and helps you keep your most powerful tools at the forefront of your mind.
So, whether you have or have not taken StrengthsFinder, check out the power Strengths Startup could have for you. You can check it out here, or by clicking the infographic you see here too. You can even give it as a gift! So, let me know what Qs you have.
LINKS | RESOURCES | a LITTLE ASK
Links & Resources from Today’s Episode
Harvard Business Review | Strengths-Based Coaching Can Actually Weaken You
FREE Volume Control Tool
Isogo TV Episode 31 | Ultra-specific Way to Experience More Flow + Less Frustration at Work (or Play!)
Isogo TV Episode 43 | Neutralize Your Weaknesses AND Boost Your Energy with these 4 Specific Strategies :: Part 1
Isogo TV Episode 44 | Neutralize Your Weaknesses AND Boost Your Energy with these 4 Specific Strategies :: Part 2
9 Steps to Life-change Through Your Strengths
My little ask?
What did you learn today? What questions do you have that remain? Still skeptical? Or don’t see it working for you? Let me help you!
One of the best places to join the dialogue is over on our Facebook Group – Energy Up, Frustration Down by Strengths. You can also subscribe over at Facebook, YouTube, or iTunes {and if Isogo TV is helping you in any way, I would so appreciate your leaving a review at iTunes, too!}
