2-2 Final Project Part I Milestone One: Self-Assessment KIM WOOD

Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.

E Executing

R

I

T

ACHIEVER €

PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE ACHIEVER THEME WORK HARD AND POSSESS A GREAT DEAL OF STAMINA. THEY TAKE IMMENSE SATISFACTION IN BEING BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE.

Achievers have a constant need for attainment. They have an internal fire burning inside them. It pushes them to do more, to achieve more. People with strong Achiever talents feel as if every day starts at zero. By the end of the day they must accomplish something meaningful to feel good about themselves. And “every day” means every single day — workdays, weekends, holidays, and even vacations. If the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, Achievers feel dissatisfied. Upon finishing a challenging project, they rarely seek to be rewarded with a rest or an easy assignment. While they appreciate recognition for past achievements, their motivation lies in striving toward the next goal on the horizon.

ITS POWER AND EDGE

Achievers love to complete tasks, and they derive fulfillment from their accomplishments. Putting it simply, people with high Achiever have a strong inner drive — an innate source of intensity, energy, and power that enables them to push hard to get things done. As a result, they often set the pace and define productivity levels for the people around them.

IF ACHIEVER IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF ACHIEVER IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:

Direct your energy to achieve in all areas of your life.

• Take advantage of your self-motivation by setting challenging goals. Set a more ambitious goal every time you finish a project.

• Partner with someone with strong Discipline or Focus talents. This person can help you use your energy as efficiently as possible.

• Take time to celebrate each success before moving on to the next item or task, even for just a few minutes.

• Although you might be naturally equipped to work harder and longer than others, be sure to take regular breaks.

• As much as possible, limit your commitments to tasks that are aligned with your highest priorities.

• Make sure your to-do lists include things beyond work.

Think about how you get things done. Even if you lack the intensity or drive of the Achiever theme, you no doubt accomplish meaningful outcomes.

• Among your top themes, find those that provide you with energy and motivation. Focus, Maximizer, or Responsibility talents may be the fire that can fuel your endeavors in the same way that the Achiever talents do for others.

• If you have a smartphone or other mobile device, find a powerful app that can help you keep track of the important tasks you need to accomplish each day. Use this technology to push you toward completing your goals.

• Look for collaborative roles. The drive of those around you can often be contagious. Gravitate to high producers, and their energy will often rub off on you.

• Manage others’ expectations by helping them understand that though you are not afraid of hard work, your primary motivation is more about quality, commitment, or service.