For decades a performance review was weighted on the side of what needs improving. A quick nod to what was going well but the focus was the areas or skills you lacked. People dread the annual review often because we’re well aware of what isn’t going well and we don’t need reminding. Bonuses and raises hinged on a good review with a minimum of needs improvement. Getting to that place seemed impossible for some; were those others just on the good side of the boss or exceptionally gifted? In either case that wasn’t a common place to be for many employees.

The Gallup Corporation began research in a different direction; quantifying strengths themes that all people possess to varying degrees. The thought was if strengths were acknowledged, emphasized and reinforced, performance in the workplace might increase. As the research data showed there are 34 strengths themes that we all possess and your order of strengths themes can be determined.

Why is knowing your strengths profile valuable?

I’m glad you asked! Allow me to share a personal story.

It was the fall of 2007, four months since my mother had passed away when a two week illness challenged her failing immune system. I had been gifted time away from work responsibilities to make space to grieve. During the month of October, the Board of Directors of the school where I worked was given an opportunity to take the StrengthsFinders assessment with follow up from a certified trainer. I love ideas and learning so I attended the meetings to learn more about myself. In the follow up report the trainer did an analysis of the Board for fit with the roles each member filled. There were many overlaps among the Board; themes like Achiever, Developer, Maximizer were shared. My profile didn’t have those go-getter type themes. Empathy-Relator-Learner-Restorative-Activator were the five Strengths for me.

I’m wired to come alongside people, to be with and cheer on. I am not wired to be a Director of a school. You can muscle through and do hard things in spite of how you’re wired; but knowing my Strengths helped me accept the challenges with a new perspective.

Today Strengths profiles are used to help college students choose majors to pursue. The Strengths are referenced in job placement and placement on teams at work. Knowing your Strengths can help you discern your next career move. You can purchase the book StrengthsFinder 2.0, which I recently saw at Target for $12. The online assessment code is hidden in the back of the book. You’ll receive your top five Strengths themes and the book helps you understand what each one means.

Why is knowing this about yourself valuable?

Action step: consider learning your strengths as you prepare to thrive in 2020.