How To Apply CliftonStrengths Positivity At Work
StrengthsFinder Definition - Positivity
Often people will ask us, "What does it mean to have the Positivity Strength?" First, know that StrengthsFinder will help you figure out your potential. We call them natural talents or natural patterns. We know you're here because you want to turn them into superpowers in your career, so here's the gist: People exceptionally talented in the Positivity theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do. Here's the full list of CliftonStrengths definitions so you can check out your other talents as well.
Gallup®, Clifton StrengthsFinder®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
CliftonStrengths Positivity - Learn All About It
These 10-15 minute "Theme Overview" videos give you a peek into the awesomeness of your talent theme. They also explore the idea that talent themes represent potential, yet if they are not invested in, they might show up looking raw and unproductive at work.
These “Talent Deep Dive” videos explore the nuance of each talent theme. You’ll learn about its power and edge. You’ll consider potential blind spots. These are useful videos if you have this talent theme at the top of your list, or if you want to learn about a teammate who leads through Positivity.
These Career Branding links help you apply your talents to your career. They give you examples of things you might be known for to help your personal branding at work. They also offer some watch-outs to know what situations and cultures can zap your energy.
Your Strengths Will Strengthen Your Performance At Work
In the next section, you'll explore what fuels you up and what drains you. Just like gas (or petrol) in your car, you need to keep your personal tank full to be at your best. Each StrengthsFinder talent theme is energized and drained by different things. When you see the stick figure who looks strong, you can consider how these things fuel you up at work. They're your energy makers. When you see the stick figure who looks weak, consider if these things are draining you at work. They're your energy takers.
Yucks for CliftonStrengths Positivity
What's a Yuck?
It's a situation, condition, or behavior you might see at work that zaps your energy. Yucks are also things you see on your calendar or to-do list that make you think, "Yuck, if I never had to do that again I'd be thrilled."
Yuck Situations for Positivity
- Negative nellies on the team who always want to pick out what's wrong with people or situations
- Staying serious or dark for long stretches of time
Yays for CliftonStrengths
Positivity
What's a Yay?
It's a situation at work that boosts up your energy or makes you feel productive. Yays are also things you see on your calendar or to-do list that make you think, “Yay, fill my days with this."
Yay Situations for Positivity
- Working in a lighthearted environment, or being encouraged to bring your fun-loving spirit
- Receiving and giving praise on what's right about people
How CliftonStrengths Positivity Can Be Perceived When Starved
What's a Starved Talent?
This section describes how you might be perceived when the shadow side of your talent is showing. It’s when you’re overusing, misapplying, or squashing one of your natural talents rather than turning it into a strength. We often see people starve, squash, or ignore their talent when they assume it is not valued in that role or company culture.
Perceptions of Starved Positivity
- Naive
- Pollyanna
- Avoidant of “downer” issues
How CliftonStrengths Positivity Can Be Perceived When Fed
What's a Fed Talent?
This section describes how you might be perceived when the best version of you shows up at work. It’s when you’ve invested in your natural talents to mature them into strengths. You can feed your talent by considering “how” you approach each “what” on the job. When you apply your talents to productive outcomes, you’re feeding them.
Perceptions of Fed Positivity
- Brings hope and optimism to the team
- Fun-loving
- Has contagious energy
Situations That Make CliftonStrengths Positivity Feel Insulted
What's An Insulted Talent?
Usually, talents get offended or insulted by other people who have natural preferences that are different from yours. It also happens if they fail to see their actions have an impact on someone else (you!). You can also insult your own talents if you have a "troublemaker strength" that speaks loudly and overpowers this one.
Things That Will Insult Positivity
- Withholding appreciation with the belief that it's not worth giving unless it's a huge win or hard-won accomplishment.
- Throw out consistent pessimism & reality checks.
Situations That Make CliftonStrengths Positivity Feel Honored
What's An Honored Talent?
Usually, talents feel honored when other people acknowledge your needs and potential contributions. Talents feel honored when someone “extends an olive branch” to help you work at your best. You can also honor your own talents by investing in them, by choosing work that naturally calls on them, or by applying your strengths to performance on the job.
Things That Will Honor Positivity
- Share generous, genuine, and regular recognition for all.
- Support a fun-loving work environment that doesn't have to be serious all the time.
Personal Brand - 'How' CliftonStrengths Positivity Operates At Work
Most people have a good handle on "What" they bring to the workplace. Resumes, CVs, and career development conversations are filled with lists of skills and job titles that show "what" you can do. Nearly everyone misses the "How".
Your Clifton StrengthsFinder talent themes help you communicate "How" you show up. It's how you think. It's how you feel. It's how you act. These are huge differences in each person that are differentiators on the job. Consider these adjectives you might want to consciously put into your personal branding efforts.
We recommend working a "How" description into the Summary section in your LinkedIn profile (if you don't yet use that section, don't worry, most people haven't paid attention to it until now). Of course, make up adjectives or phrases that describe you at your best. Try to avoid words like "motivated, self-starter" because they're so overused that you'll blend in with everyone else. Here are some ideas to spark your thinking:
- Happy
- Fun
- Energetic
- Hopeful
- Resilient
- Upbeat
- Positive
- Magnetic
- Encouraging
- Optimistic
- Motivator
- Enthusiastic
- Joyful
- Warm & Friendly
- Celebrator
- Seeker of Silver Linings
How To Invest In Your CliftonStrengths Positivity Talent On The Job
- You tend to be more enthusiastic and energetic than most people. When others become discouraged or are reluctant to take risks, your attitude will provide the impetus to keep them moving. Over time, others will start to look to you for this “lift.”
- Deliberately help others see the things that are going well for them. You can keep their eyes on the positive.
- Because people will rely on you to help them rise above their daily frustrations, arm yourself with good stories, jokes, and sayings. Never underestimate the effect that you can have on people.
- Plan highlight activities for your colleagues. For example, find ways to turn small achievements into “events,” or plan regular “celebrations” that others can look forward to, or capitalize on the year’s holidays and festivals.
- Increase the recognition you give to others. Try to tailor it to each person’s need.
- Avoid negative people. They will bring you down. Instead, seek people who find in the world the same kind of drama and humor that you do. You will energize each other.
- Explain that your enthusiasm is not simple naivety. You know that bad things can happen; you simply prefer to focus on the good things. Pessimists might superficially seem wiser; they might even sometimes be right — but they are rarely achievers (and, incidentally, optimists have more fun).
Tips For Managing Someone Who Leads Through The CliftonStrengths Positivity Talent
- This person brings energy to the workplace. Find ways to position them as close to your customers as possible. They will make your organization seem more positive and more dynamic.
- Ask them to help plan events in which your organization hosts your best customers, such as new product launches or user groups.
- The Positivity theme does not imply that they are always in a good mood. It does suggest that through their humor and attitude they can make people more excited about their work. Remind them of this strength and encourage them to use it.
- They will quickly be sapped of energy by cynics. Don’t expect them to enjoy cheering up negative people. They will do better when asked to energize positive or neutral people who are simply in need of a spark.
- Their enthusiasm is contagious. Consider this when placing them on project teams.
- They like to celebrate. When certain milestones of achievement have been reached, ask them for ideas about how to recognize and celebrate their achievement. They will be more creative than most.
- Pay attention to their other strong themes. If they also possesses strength in Developer, they may prove to be excellent trainers or teachers, because they bring excitement to the classroom. If Command is one of their strongest themes, they may excel in selling because they are armed with a potent combination of assertiveness and energy.
What To Consider When Partnering With A Colleague Who Leads Through CliftonStrengths Positivity
- Ask this person to partner with you when your team needs a moment of levity. Ask them to take a boring meeting or event and bring a fun, unique element to add energy.
- When you need someone who thrives in a fast-paced, stimulating work environment, call on someone with the Positivity talent. Be sure you want to infuse their social energy and passion. Don’t choose them for “fast paced” attributes and then assign them to something solitary and serious.
- Call on them when you need others to feel encouraged.
Turn CliftonStrengths Positivity Into A Strength This Month By Making It Your Phone Lock Screen
Click on this thumbnail image of your StrengthsFinder talent theme to link to the full size image. Then save it to your phone or mobile device as your lock screen.
That way, you’ll be reminded of your plan to focus on that talent…oh…about 98 times per day when you unlock your phone. What a great way to keep your intention front-of-mind! This will help you remember to invest in this talent theme so you can take the untapped potential and turn the natural talent into a strength.
Who knew wallpaper images could be so valuable to your career?! Here are all of the lock screen images if you want to grab an image for a different CliftonStrengths talent.