Leadership Strength#3 – Positivity (MMP #33)

Employee Engagement Monday Morning Percolator #33

This is part 3 of a 5 part series on leadership strength development embracing the application of StrengthsFinder 2.0.

Click here to read the first article in the series.

Here is the schedule outlining my strength focus:

1. Maximizer (Week 1)
2. Strategic (Week 2)
3. Positivity (Week 3)
4. Ideation (Week 4)
5. Empathy (Week 5)

Here is a review of the process we are following:

• Complete the StrengthsFinder 2.0 inventory.
• Scan your top 5 strengths
• Study your first strength
• Outline strength based actions for the first week.
• Implement your action plan
• Review your progress
• Repeat the the process with the next strength on your list.
• Click here to download a one page PDF form to assist in your strength work.

Review Week 2: Your Second Strength (Strategic)

I was able to work a lot with my strategic strength this past week. I find the times before flying in airports an excellent time to use strategic thinking for the variety of projects requiring my attention. My ideas are flying long before the plane takes off.

Two specific projects had 4 significant external developments and I was able to use my strength to navigate through some of the changes that will be required because of development from competitors and the business environment. I believe that I would have missed out on my strategic strength resources had I not had a specific focus for this strength last week.

Outline Week 3: Your Third Strength (Positivity)

People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

Positivity Action Plan

1. Keep enthusiasm alive for the variety of projects and initiatives and ensure that I communicate this with my partners and my students.

2. I will keep a focus on this strength to prevent a positive drain when I have too many demands or feel high levels of stress.

3. I will navigate around negative people who will not be responsive to a constructive or more positive outlook so as not to sap my own positivity.

4. I will also take time to express thanks and gratitude immediately after seeing something I am thankful for.

How did things go with the application of your second strength and what are your plans for to apply your third strength next week?

Next Week: Review and Strength#4 – Ideation.

Photo Credit: Free Running Belfast by http://flickr.com/photos/jettloe/1314858172/

Written by  David Zinger, M. Ed.