CLIFTON STRENGTHS
I have been learning about the various talents identified in the CliftonStrengths model for several years, as the model is utilized throughout leadership programs and institutions of higher education. It has been a fun experience to watch as my strengths and talents evolve over the years as my career and personal philosophies develop. These strengths shine brightly when executing my roles of leadership, professional development, and project management.
My top five strengths include:
- Arranger
- Individualization
- Strategic
- Developer
- Input
In practice, having the ability to quantify our personality strengths in our office has been a wonderful benefit to everyone and has helped us better understand ourselves at the same time. These are the ways that my strengths manifest:
- Arranger – Arrangers are conductors. When faced with a complex situation involving many factors, people with strong Arranger talents enjoy managing all of the variables, aligning and realigning them until they are sure they have arranged them in the most productive configuration possible. They are shining examples of effective flexibility, whether they are changing travel schedules at the last minute because they found a better fare or are mulling over just the right combination of people and resources to accomplish a new project. From the mundane to the complex, they are always looking for the perfect configuration.
- Individualization –People with strong Individualization talents understand and are intrigued by others’ unique qualities. Impatient with generalizations, they focus on the differences among individuals. They instinctively observe each person’s style and motivation, how each thinks, and how each builds relationships. They keenly observe other people’s strengths and draw out the best in each person. Their Individualization talents help them build productive teams. While some search for the perfect team “structure” or “process,” these employees know instinctively that the secret to great teams is casting by individual strengths — so that everyone can do a lot of what they already do well.
- Strategic –People with strong Strategic talents can sort through the clutter to find the best route. You can’t teach this skill. It is a distinct way of thinking — a unique perspective on the world at large. This outlook allows them to see patterns where others see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, they envision alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened?” This recurring question helps them see, plan, and prepare for future situations. They see a way when others assume there is no way. Armed with this strategy, they move forward.
- Developer –Developers see the potential in others. They naturally recognize others’ capacity to change for the better, and they are drawn to people for this reason. Being part of another person’s development is one of the best experiences possible for them. They look for ways to challenge others. They devise interesting experiences to help team members further develop and succeed. All the while, they look for signs of growth — a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, or a glimpse of excellence or improved flow where previously there were only halting steps. These signs of growth in others fuel Developers, bringing them motivation and satisfaction.
- Input –People with strong Input talents are inquisitive and always want to know more. They crave information. They might collect ideas, books, memorabilia, quotations, or facts. Whatever they collect, they do so because it interests them. They find many things interesting and have a natural curiosity. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. A few minutes spent surfing the internet may turn into hours once their curiosity takes off. They constantly acquire, compile, and file things away. Their pursuits keep their minds fresh. They know that one day the information or things they’ve gathered will prove valuable.
By tapping into each of these strengths, I have been able to revolutionize decades-old procedures in my offices, identify and implement system efficiencies, and build teams filled with competent and motivated members.
jaymeewoolhiser.com 