Self-Assessment Evaluation
Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
T Strategic Thinking
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ANALYTICAL €
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE ANALYTICAL THEME SEARCH FOR REASONS AND CAUSES. THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO THINK ABOUT ALL THE FACTORS THAT MIGHT AFFECT A SITUATION.
People with strong Analytical talents challenge others to “Prove it.” They take a critical approach to what others might quickly accept as truth. They search for the reasons why things are the way they are. They want to understand how certain patterns affect one another. How do they combine? What is the outcome? Does this outcome fit with the theory offered or the situation at hand? These are their questions. Others see them as logical and rigorous. Some may feel that they are negative or unnecessarily critical when they are simply trying to understand something. They bring an objective and dispassionate examination that enables them to find the root causes and effects, and then develop clear thoughts based on facts.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
Those with Analytical talents have valuable insights because they are able to uncover the essential facts needed for excellence in any endeavor. This type of thinking helps them and others become clearer about what excellence is and how it can be attained.
IF ANALYTICAL IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF ANALYTICAL IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Direct your logical, objective approach to find the reasons behind important decisions.
• Take the time to identify credible sources you can rely on. Determine the most helpful books, websites, or other sources that can serve as references.
• Choose assignments or work in which you are able to analyze data, find patterns, or organize ideas.
• When you are working with a group to plan a new initiative or project, be involved in the early stages. You will be able to assess the feasibility and direction of the plan before it gets too far into the process.
• Develop your Analytical skills by sharing ideas with outstanding analysts who specialize in your area.
• Listen to people with strong Strategic, Belief, or Empathy talents. Their insights and intuitions are difficult to measure, but their assessments are often accurate and valuable nonetheless.
• Accept that at times you will need to move before all the facts are in place.
Having less intense Analytical talents does not preclude you from rigorous thought or objective measurement. It may indicate that you more readily accept things at face value or rely more on your intuition.
• Among your top themes, find those that help you uncover the objective truth. Arranger or Harmony talents, for example, may help you invite others to share their observations and opinions. Their perspectives may help you see the big picture.
• When you are looking to solve a problem or discover the root cause of an issue, start at the end result and work backward (toward the root cause), continually asking: “Why?” You may need to repeat this question several times until the root cause of the problem becomes apparent.
• You might perceive too much thinking or questioning to be “paralysis by analysis.” Be careful not to minimize or dismiss the value of asking good questions and thoughtfully examining the facts.
• When you feel the itch to take action, pause to research objective sources and seek others’ advice.
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
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CONSISTENCY «
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE CONSISTENCY THEME ARE KEENLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO TREAT PEOPLE THE SAME. THEY TRY TO TREAT EVERYONE WITH EQUALITY BY SETTING UP CLEAR RULES AND ADHERING TO THEM.
Balance is important to those with strong Consistency talents. They are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same, no matter what their station in life, so the scales do not tip too far in any person’s favor. In their view, this leads to selfishness and egotism. People with especially strong Consistency talents see themselves as guardians of what is right and fair. Opposed to special favors, they believe that people function best in a consistent environment with clear rules that apply equally to everyone. This is an environment where people know what is expected. It is predictable and evenhanded. Here, each person has a fair chance to show his or her worth.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
People with strong Consistency talents can easily and quickly make judgments that are fair to everyone involved. As a result, people have confidence in them and see them as trustworthy. They can develop policies and procedures that help teams and organizations maintain their integrity while accomplishing their mission.
IF CONSISTENCY IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF CONSISTENCY IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Focus on teaching the values of consistency and fairness to those around you to build trust.
• Take time to think through the rules that are closest to your heart. These rules might be based upon certain values or guidelines that you consider “non- negotiables” in your life. The greater your own clarity about these rules, the more receptive you will be to individuality within these boundaries.
• Your role in a group can be to level the playing field. Seek opportunities at work or in your community to help provide disadvantaged people with the platform they need to show their true potential.
• Stay focused on performance. Cultivate a reputation for recognizing those who really deserve credit. Ensure that respect is always given to those who truly perform well. You can be the conscience of the groups you participate in.
If you lack the intensity and measure of Consistency talents, it does not mean you treat others unfairly. It may mean you need to be careful as you consider what constitutes equitable treatment. You may need to balance your definition or standard of fairness against that of others.
• At times, you may need to resist the impulse to make exceptions because of individual circumstances. Learn the values and policies that your organization prizes the most. Think about the values that you cherish the most. Continue to clarify them so that you have a clear sense of what is non-negotiable to you.
• Clearly communicate your guiding principles and your intentions when working with others. You may tend to minimize the importance of rules and routines in shaping your actions and decisions. While this may work fine for you, others may see it as instability or uncertainty.
• When you question the need for enforcement of a rule or policy, solicit the opinions of others to help you determine whether or not the guideline helps to accomplish a goal or provide meaningful direction before you react.
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
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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.
Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
R Relationship Building
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RELATOR €
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE RELATOR THEME ENJOY CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS. THEY FIND DEEP SATISFACTION IN WORKING HARD WITH FRIENDS TO ACHIEVE A GOAL.
Relator talents describe a person’s attitude toward their relationships. In simple terms, people with strong Relator talents are drawn to others they already know. They do not necessarily shy away from meeting new people — in fact, they may have other themes that cause them to enjoy the thrill of turning strangers into friends — but they do derive a great deal of pleasure and strength from being around their close friends. In short, a person with strong Relator talents forms close relationships with people. They may know many people, and they can relate to all kinds of people. But they also have a very small group of friends with whom they have incredibly deep relationships.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
People especially strong in Relator talents form solid, genuine, and mutually rewarding relationships. Their relationships are close, caring, and trusting.
IF RELATOR IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF RELATOR IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
By connecting deeply with the right person, you gain a friend for life.
• You tend to be at your best when you are part of a stable group of friends you can trust. Find a workplace in which friendships are encouraged. You will not do well in an overly formal organization.
• Deliberately learn as much as you can about the people that you meet. You like knowing about people, and others like being known. In this way, you will be a catalyst for trusting relationships.
• Show people that you trust them, and they will be more likely to trust others. You can be an important role model in this area.
• Let your caring show. For example, find people in your company to mentor, help your colleagues to know each other better, or extend your relationships “beyond the office.”
• No matter how busy you are, stay in contact with your friends. They are your fuel.
If you lack the intensity of the Relator theme, it does not mean that relationships are not important to you. Nor does it mean you lack the ability to build them. It likely means that you are more inclined toward a large quantity and greater variety of relationships.
• Among your top themes, find those that help you grow and nurture your existing relationships. Perhaps you build intimacy by working collaboratively (Harmony) or working hard (Achiever) with others. Alternatively, you might be a person who builds increased trust by following through (Responsibility) or telling the truth (Belief or Command). Intentionally leverage one or more of those themes with an increased intent toward deepening relationships with those around you.
• Explore the best ways for you to connect with people. It may be that you relate to people best when discussing ideas, when doing an activity together, or when you have a common challenge. Your top themes will give you clues that reveal your unique path to building relationships.
• Show your vulnerability. The most meaningful relationships are built on a strong foundation of trust, and one of the fastest ways to build trust is to reveal something that makes you vulnerable.
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
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RESPONSIBILITY €
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE RESPONSIBILITY THEME TAKE PSYCHOLOGICAL OWNERSHIP OF WHAT THEY SAY THEY WILL DO. THEY ARE COMMITTED TO STABLE VALUES SUCH AS HONESTY AND LOYALTY.
People with strong Responsibility talents take psychological ownership for anything they commit to, whether it is large or small, and they feel emotionally bound to follow it through to completion. They keep their promises and honor their commitments. They don’t let people down, and they work very hard to fulfill all of their responsibilities and keep their word. Their conscientiousness, their drive for doing things right, and their impeccable ethics combine to create the reputation of being utterly dependable.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
The genius of those with strong Responsibility talents stems from the deep sense of dedication and ownership they feel toward the things they commit to. They are people of their word, and others know they can rely on and trust them.
IF RESPONSIBILITY IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF RESPONSIBILITY IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Take psychological ownership for the things that matter most to you.
• Always check your schedule and your to-do list before taking on a new request. You will create a realistic opportunity to meet all of your commitments without overworking yourself, and you’ll demonstrate to others your serious approach to your responsibilities.
• Keep volunteering for more duties than your experience seems to warrant. You thrive on new responsibilities and can deal with them very effectively.
• Align yourself with others who share your sense of commitment. You will thrive when surrounded by others who take their responsibilities as seriously as you do.
• Sometimes you need to remind yourself to say “no.” Because you are instinctively responsible, it might be very difficult to refuse opportunities. For this reason you must be selective.
• Be your organization’s ethical watchdog by taking swift action to eliminate and prevent unethical behavior and publicly recognizing displays of strong ethics.
If Responsibility is a lesser theme for you, this does not mean that you are unwilling to make commitments or to act in an ethical manner. It may mean that you are naturally more proactive and find it more difficult to react and respond in a consistent manner.
• Know what others expect of you. Consider your most important partners, colleagues, and customers. Interview them. Get to know what is important to them and what they expect from you. Routinely follow up to ensure these expectations have not changed.
• Among your top themes, find those that help you meet and respond to others’ needs. Developer talents can help others grow. Activator talents can help you get others started. Positivity talents can help others feel better.
• Employ external sources of motivation and accountability to help you get things done. Use technology, relational accountability, or your project management skills to get things done in a manner that satisfies others’ expectations.
- Analytical
- Consistency
- Deliberative
- Relator
- Responsibility