Forget your weaknesses. What are your strengths?

Who are you learning from?

I read 2 blogs every day (among a host of others I read on a regular basis) – Seth Godin and Michael Hyatt. Hyatt focuses on practical tips for leadership, social media, productivity and publishing.

At least every week I learn something new in the core areas that Hyatt covers on his blog. Not only that, but he breaks down subjects so they feel obtainable and doable.

Operating in your strength zone.

In January, Hyatt wrote a post called “Are you operating in your strengths zone?”  He based the post on a book called StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath.

Hyatt re-iterated the premise of the book. We spend too much time focusing on our weaknesses. We try to improve or overcome them at the expense of our strengths.

The American Dream

Rath tells the story of Rudy Ruettiger – the same Rudy the movie “Rudy” was based on. Rudy’s story is about fulfilling his dream of playing Notre Dame football in spite of being only 5’6″ and 165 pounds.

Rudy made the team (on the practice squad), but he wasn’t able to play until the last game and play of his senior year. He sacked the quarterback (in a meaningless play, since the game was already well in hand). The team carried him off the field as the hero.

It’s the American Dream right? Rudy overcame multiple challenges to become the ‘hero’. Rudy fulfilled his dream.

Rath turns the story on its ear. He suggested the Rudy spent thousands of hours practicing football (a weakness) to make one tackle in a meaningless play. Rath asks what Rudy could have done if he spent that time focusing on his strengths.

Focusing on your weaknesses caps your potential. Focusing on your strengths allows for unlimited possibilities.

Know your strengths.

The key to this premise, of course, is to know and understand your strengths. Rath, through research with Gallup, has pinpointed 34 possible strengths. StrenghsFinder 2.0 includes a code for an online test that pinpoints your strengths. To take the test, you first must buy a book which includes the code (great marketing!).

The test is very similar to other personality tests I’ve taken. It asks you to rate yourself on different qualities (would you rather do this or that?). It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete, and you will immediately know your results. The test narrows these to your top 5 strengths.

These are my top 5 strengths, and a short definition of each:

1. Relator. People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
2. Strategic. People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
3. Achiever. People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
4. Learner. People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
5. Arranger. People who are especially talented in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They like to figure out how all the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

What I love about StrenghsFinder 2.0

After reading the book, seeing Kia’s test results, taking the test, and seeing my test results, this is what I like about StrengthsFinder 2.0:

1. Accurate. Reading through the 5 areas of strengths, I see the accuracy of the test. Kia read them and agreed too (of both mine and hers). If you know me well, I would be interested in knowing your assessment of these strengths.
2. Positive. After looking at all the information about my strengths, it hit me that nothing negative was said about my strengths. I know my weaknesses (and I can see potential weaknesses of each of my strengths), so Rath purposely chooses to focus on the strengths to accentuate them.
3. Information. The book and the report that comes with the test results gives a lot of great information. The info includes an expanded explanation with more details specific to my results. It also includes examples of how each strength may play out in life.
4. Action. The report includes a section on suggested actions you should take to enhance your strengths.

Take action!

Kia is an Activator.When she learns about something or has an idea, she immediately takes action. She learned about the book/test and took action that week.

Maybe you’re like me – not an Activator. If so force yourself to take action. Do this:

• Read the book.
• Take the test.
• Share the information with your spouse, family, work team.
• Encourage others around you to read the book and take the test.

It has already made a difference in our lives, our businesses, and our family.

Header image courtesy of Flickr/sean_hickin
Ballerina image courtesy of Flickr/Mait Juriado

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