UNCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS – cm Challenge 02/07/12
THE LESSON
Each of us has been blessed with unique gifts and talents, and when we use those gifts and talents it can feel as if we are operating in a “zone.” A special, magical place where everything clicks and we feel unstoppable. Our confidence and happiness levels are sky high, and we actually enjoy the work we do. Sadly, many people spend too little time in their zone.
Getting in our zone requires that we focus on our strengths and find situations that suit us and avoid those that don’t. To do that requires an upfront understanding of how each of us is individually wired.
One valuable tool that I have come to rely on is the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. The assessment pulls from more than 40 years of research and has helped millions of people gain a clearer understanding of their strengths.
My first experience with the assessment was in 2009, and since then it has become a core component of my coaching and development work with clients and employees. The assessment measures 34 themes and produces a “top five” report to help each person more fully understand their uniqueness. Armed with this new knowledge, people can focus on what they do best, instead of becoming frustrated by trying to be someone that they were never designed to be.
After becoming familiar with my top five strengths, I approached my work in an entirely different way. I stopped taking on projects that were better suited for someone else, and I began to delegate tasks that took me out of my zone. Doing so affords me more time to focus on the things that I enjoy and excel at.
THE CHALLENGE
This week your challenge is to uncover your strengths by completing the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. In order to complete the assessment, you will need an access code which can be obtained by purchasing a copy of the StrengthsFinder 2.0 book at your favorite local bookstore or through online sites like Amazon. The investment is minimal (you can find new books starting for as little as $10 online), and I fully believe you will find that the return on investment exceeds your expectations.
Once you have completed the assessment, spend some time reviewing your top five themes and reflect on how much time you spend in your zone.
For extra credit, complete this challenge as a team/department/company. Then, share results, discuss how to leverage strengths, and make a plan to ensure more people spend more time in their zone.
THE REFLECTION
Question: What are your top five themes? Do you believe the assessment accurately describes you? How can you spend more time in your zone?
Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.
© 2012 collector mentor All rights reserved
