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Are You Focused on Your Strengths?
“Most people think they know what they are good at. They are usually wrong… And yet, a person can perform only from strength.” – Business guru Peter Drucker (1909 – 2005)
“Most people think they know what they are good at. They are usually wrong… And yet, a person can perform only from strength.” – Business guru Peter Drucker (1909 – 2005)
As many of you who already subscribe to my Leadership Power Tips know, one of my favorite books is Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. When coaching my clients, we talk a lot about Strengths and seek to gain clarity on what theirs’ are. I just completed reviewing my Strengths after reading Strengths Finder 2.0, the upgraded version by Tom Rath. The goal of Gallup Management and the authors “was to start a global conversation about what’s right with people.”
Leadership and Change
We all have heard the saying – The only thing constant is change – and yet for so many people change is very difficult. I wonder… is it because we really don’t believe this; because we have a fear of the unknown; because we hate to see a good thing come to an end? When is it we embrace change?
Over the last 18 months, I coached many employees, managers and executives in a very dynamic environment where growth was happening very fast to, unfortunately, where decline rapidly took hold and seemed to spiral out of control. After hiring almost 70 people and watching them enthusiastically take on the launch of a new program, I was several months later laying off all the people I hired plus many more. I witnessed hope, contribution and commitment and then despair, fear and anger.
To lead or to follow. . .
The problem with being a leader, and a good one, is that people always expect you to lead. You forget sometimes that being a follower can be just as powerful. I was humbly reminded of this just recently as I made another life decision. I have chosen to accept an offer that came unexpectedly to be a follower. Well, sort of. . .
I am a member of the leadership team – Human Resources Director. What I love about this role are many things and two stand out:
1) the organization is not for profit with a commitment to serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community;
2) I still get to do what I love – coaching others, assisting others grow and putting systems in place to streamline processes; and,
Yes, I have the best of both worlds – I get to lead and to follow. My life will be simpler, less stressful, yet still rewarding with the opportunity to continue to make a difference in the life of others.
Life is Very Good!
Taking a look back can be gratifying… Today I was sharing about the time when I first became a Vice President. I was on my way to visit a client when I received a call from my boss. He said he had good news and that I was being promoted to Vice President of the Midwest region effective immediately.
"Wow" I said and then was quiet for a few moments. One of my goals, one of my dreams had just been achieved!
I look forward to taking a look at what my accomplishments have been each quarter. Have I reached my goals, achieved any major milestones, meet any new people. I find my time spent on a reflection of the last quarter, the last year, the last five years – can be very gratifying indeed. My leadership experiences and skills have been improved via new projects, new challenges and meeting new people.
I am reminded that Life is Very Good!
