So often we think we know our strengths, at least the ones that are most dominate to us, but rarely do we know them all. Recently, I purchased Living Your Strengths by Albert Winsemand, Donald Clifton and Curt Liesveld. This book was so enlightening, I just had to share.
As a child, our elders began to point out certain things that they think are our strengths or to them, our talents. Throughout our school years, we are told by teachers and peers we are skilled with speaking, math, physical abilities, etc. but do we see what they see? If we see what they see, do we agree?
Personally, I see many of my strengths as weaknesses, too. When I was young, I have a protective nature. I protected everyone but myself. I gave others what looked like things they needed but I did not give myself the personal care, time and appreciation I needed as a person. Surely, I am not the only one that has made these mistakes.
The book suggests to take the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment to evaluate what your strengths are calculated to be. It gives a description of sets of examples of talents and poses the questions; which of these talents do you feel are most present, prevalent or less prevalent? Our talents are so natural to use we often can’t see them, any more than we see the leaves on a tree we pass every day. Chapter 4: The World of Talent: Your “Best You” in 34 Themes, is the heart of the book for me. Positivity, (p, 125) You are generous with praise, quick to smile, and always on the lookout for the positive in the situation. Some call you lighthearted. Others just wish that their glass were as full as yours seems to be. But either way, people want to be around you. Their world looks better around you because your enthusiasm is contagious. Lack your energy and optimism, some find their world drab with repetition or worse, heavy with pressure. You seem to find a way to lighten their spirit. You inject drama into every project. You celebrate every achievement…
Positivity is what I bring to the table. So much about this description is me but the totality of me. Being honest is another part. Honesty can hurt. Honest may not always sound a positive to the listener but it is necessity to be an emotionally balanced leader, mentor and friend.
This book is worth the read. Get your copy of Living Your Strengths and let me know what your think.