In October of 2005, I completed a course that utilized the Gallup Strengthsfinder assessment to capitalize on my talents as a manager. The program teaches managers and their employees how to develop raw talents into strengths, and then apply them to building success. The assessment identified my Top 5 strengths, or themes.

Primarily, I am a Strategic person…

According to Gallup, the Strategic theme enables one to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows one to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns one plays out alternative scenarios always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?” This recurring question helps one see obstacles around the next corner. There you can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where one sees each path leading, one starts to make selections… discarding the paths that lead nowhere… discarding the paths that lead straight into resistance… discarding the paths that lead into a fog of confusion… culling and making selections until one arrives at the chosen path—THE strategy. Armed with the strategy, one strikes forward. This is the Strategic theme at work: “What if?” Select. Strike.

Other themes in my Top 5 included…

Achiever
Achievers are people who have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction in being busy and productive.

Futuristic
Futuristic people are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.

Maximizer
People who are strong in Maximizer focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.

Analytical
Analytical people search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation.

©2000, The Gallup Organization