Leadership Strengths & Traits

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

DELIBERATIVE «

PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE DELIBERATIVE THEME ARE BEST DESCRIBED BY THE SERIOUS CARE THEY TAKE IN MAKING DECISIONS OR CHOICES. THEY ANTICIPATE OBSTACLES.

People with strong Deliberative talents are careful and vigilant. Everything may seem in order, but beneath the surface they sense many risks. Rather than avoiding these hazards, they draw each one out into the open. Then each risk can be identified, assessed, and ultimately reduced. Thus, those with strong Deliberative talents bring a thorough and conscientious approach to making decisions. They take care to consider options, thinking through the pros and cons of each alternative. To them, making the correct choice is more important than the time it takes to do so. They see life as something of a minefield. Others can run through it recklessly if they so choose, but they take a different approach. They identify the dangers, weigh their relative effect, and then place their feet deliberately. They walk with care.

ITS POWER AND EDGE

People with strong Deliberative talents bring a thorough and conscientious approach to their endeavors. They have the ability to reduce risk and prevent problems through natural anticipation and careful thought. As a result, they tend to make outstanding decisions.

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

To go fast and far, first stop, listen, and assess; then, take action.

You have naturally good judgment and a tendency to question people’s actions, so look for opportunities to help others think through their decisions before they act too quickly.

• During times of change, consider the advantages of being conservative in your decision making. Be ready to explain these advantages when asked.

• You see things that others do not. Whatever your role, take responsibility for helping others think through their decisions. You will be sought as a valuable sounding board.

• Your thoughtful approach gives you the foresight you need to make wise decisions. Be sure to set aside some time each day for yourself.

• Explain your process of careful decision making. Clarify that you highlight risk in order to take control and reduce it. Don’t allow others to misconstrue your Deliberative theme as tentativeness or fear of action.

“Wait” and “Watch out” may not be common words in your vocabulary. You may know how to get started, but slowing down and stopping may be more challenging for you.

• When you feel the itch to respond quickly, pause for a moment and consider all of the information available to you before you act.

• Use a coding method on your calendar or to-do list to mark items that are important to sleep on or run by others before making a judgment or moving forward.

• Give yourself permission to resist the urge to answer every email or text message right away.

• Write a reminder to yourself — something quick and easy like “remember to pause,” “stop and think,” or “wait to answer” and post it where you will see it often, such as on your computer, by your phone, or on your home page.