Strengths Finder 2.0 – Part 5: Strategic

“The Strategic theme enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large.”

This is another great strength that is a true fit for me. I spent the early part of my career as a media director, account executive, and event planner all wrapped up into one in a small ad agency. I loved being strategic. My events were organized and I thought through every detail and “what if.” I always want to be prepared for any scenario.

Even now, I see myself doing that in my personal life. I function best with a plan and a strategy. I offer this to the women I coach – a menu of various strategies to grow their business and guide them through this process learning about themselves in the process.

“Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead into straight resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion.” I don’t want to chase after something that doesn’t work. I give it my time and then take the positive from it and move on always thinking about the bigger picture.

I hope you have enjoyed my 5 Part Series about the book, Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. I highly recommend you getting a copy. It’s a lot of fun to take the test and see what your strengths truly are. I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to leave a comment and let me know if you have gotten the book. I’d love to hear your results!

Strengths Finder 2.0 – Part 4: Positivity

This was another spot on strength for me. Depending on how you’ve found me or how you know me, you know I’m all about gratitude and positive energy. I created the Gratitude Jewelry Collection over 4 years ago and have since created an online social community called The Gratitude Circle.

I truly believe in the power of positivity. I have learned to create a positive or an opportunity out of any challenge or seemingly negative situation.

“People want to be around you. Their world looks better around you because your enthusiasm is contagious.”

I choose to see the good in things and not focus on lack or negative. It has literally changed my life and brought more abundance to me.

“You celebrate every achievement. You find ways to make everything more exciting and more vital.”

As I coach women in business and help them grow their businesses, my job is to help to lift them up and raise them higher celebrating and honoring all of the achievements they have created with a positive spirit. It’s empowering – making them want to do more, be more, and reach higher than they ever thought possible.

I found this excerpt very interesting – “Don’t pretend that difficulties don’t concern you. Other people need to know that while you find the good in virtually every situation, you are not naïve. Recognize challenges, and communicate the reasons for your optimism. Your positive approach will be most powerful when others realize it is grounded in reality.”

I always say to people that everyone has issues; it’s just all in how we deal with them or perceive them. I’m not unrealistic, I know that I have challenges and unfortunate things happen in my life just like anyone else. I simply choose to look at them differently with a positive spin. It takes away much of the struggle and leads me through the process so much quicker.

Stay tuned for Part 5 – the last installment…

Strengths Finder 2.0 – Part 3: Maximizer

“Excellence, not average, is your measure.”

One of my mentors says that we aren’t born to wake up and feel average and live mediocre. I want to feel my absolute best and do my absolute best. Now, I’m not unrealistic. I know that there will be average (and not so average) days and experiences, but I continuously raise the bar for myself striving.

I do the same with my clients, constantly raising the bar, helping them stretch and grow outside of their comfort zone, which can be tough to do on your own. I am that catalyst.

“Strengths, whether yours or someone else’s fascinate, you.” I was often bewildered by the old interview question, “What are your weaknesses?” Who the heck wants to talk about that? I know what mine are and see some in other people, but who wants to focus on the negative? It just seems silly to me.

Instead, strengths fascinate me and in my opinion, make up for the weakness or lack that we all have somewhere in us. I know where I fall short and try my best there, but focus on those things that I really rock at and make them better.

“You don’t want to spend your life bemoaning what you lack. Rather, you want to capitalize on the gifts with which you are blessed.” Another spot on assessment…Focusing on lack or negativity will only bring more of that to you. I instead focus on the positive, my gifts, and my gratitude.

Stay tuned for installment #4 tomorrow!