Execute With Your Top Talents

 

So you took the StrengthsFinder assessment. Is it hiding in a desk drawer somewhere? Don’t let this performance enhancing drug slip out of your hands. That’s right, it’s like doing steroids at work, only it’s legal. This week, pump up your execution by focusing on getting things done through one of your Top 5 Talent Themes.

 

Your Goal?

 

Watch how that Talent Theme influences how you get stuff done.
For example, do you jump right on tasks, or do you carefully prioritize every item first? Do you obliterate your to-do list, or do you enjoy getting started and then feel your energy drop once you have to follow every detail to completion? Do you want new things to do each day, or do you prefer building deep mastery over time? Notice how you make get things done compared with your peers.

 

Now you can apply it at work:

 

  • Use it to build accountability. Use a partner. This is a seriously fun way to approach accountability. This isn’t getting an accountability partner in the old school way–you know, to keep checking up on your progress. You’re not looking for a mom. Instead, partner with someone who executes with complimentary strengths.If you’re an Activator, partner up with an Achiever. That way, one person is fueled up by the starting line. And the other person loves the finish line. Or if you lead with Deliberative, pair up with someone who has Woo. That way, one person can watch for potential pitfalls while the other person pushes ahead and promotes the project as you move along.
  • Use it to pick your projects. Volunteer for projects you’ll love. Don’t volunteer for projects that you’ll loathe. This seems simple, yet most people don’t think through the people they’ll be working with and the nature of the work. Look for projects that allow you to invest in your natural talents. Your professional growth with happen faster, and your potential to rock the house is high when you’re in your strengths zone. Most people volunteer for projects because of the visibility (a.k.a. career acceleration potential) or because they’re volun-told that they need to work on a certain project next. Take more of an active role. Tell your boss what type of projects you’re looking for. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much influence you have over the work you spend your time on.

 

Does this seem simple? It is. It takes communication though. Say something. Don’t assume your manager knows what you want to do with your career development. 1×1 meetings are usually focused on status updates and the latest happenings about “the work.”

 

You own your career and your development. Take the simple step of saying, “hey, I’d love to try my hand at [copywriting]” or “when you’re working on our assignments for next quarter, I’d love to work on the [big data] project”.   Fill in your own blanks–just focus them on areas where you can nurture your natural talents and turn them into strengths.