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Leveraging Strengths Amid Constant Change

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Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Leadership Growth Podcast.

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I'm your host, Daniel Stewart, along with my brother, Peter.

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And we have a fantastic guest today, Tiffany Harvey.

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Welcome to the Leadership Growth Podcast.

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-Thank you, Daniel and Peter.

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I'm honored to be here.

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Really excited about today.

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-And we are going to be diving into a topic,

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a topic that has been swirling around for quite a while,

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and it's all about strengths.

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What are strengths?

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How do we leverage them?

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And especially, how do we as leaders leverage our strengths

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amid such constant change all around us?

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How do we tap into these strengths?

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What does it look like?

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We want to tackle all of these aspects here today.

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So, because Tiffany is such a great expert here,

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let me share a little bit about her bio so that everybody else can get to know her,

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and then we'll dive into some questions.

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So first of all, Tiffany Harvey,

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seasoned HR and learning and development professional

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as a Gallup certified CliftonStrengths coach,

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and client partner to Gallup.

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She actually led the strength program at Southwest Airlines for five years,

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where they earned the Gallup Strengths

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Strengths-Based Culture Award for three consecutive years.

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So fantastic bit of history and recognition there.

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Fantastic.

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So Tiffany, again, welcome to the Leadership Growth Podcast.

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And we want to start off with a question.

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And the question is, what really are strengths?

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And it's a deceptively easy question,

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but I think there are lots of misperceptions

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around what the heck is a... is a strength.

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So could you just kind of ground us?

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What, what are...

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What are strengths?

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-Yeah, that's a great question.

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You know, strengths, when we think about strengths as a standard definition,

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it's really the things that you bring to the table that really serve you well.

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And that can... the facet of that is huge, right?

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When we're referencing strengths in this conversation,

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we're really talking about Gallup's CliftonStrengths.

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And so that is the tool, the assessment

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that individuals can actually take is more of a talent theme sorter.

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And so it's not meant to be a label or put someone in a box.

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But much like other assessments that are out there,

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it's a fantastic and very validating, very positive tool

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to help you identify thoughts, feelings, behaviors,

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said talents that when productively applied,

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those outcomes at a near perfect performance really shine.

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So, it's not telling you what you can or can't do,

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but how you do those things.

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-And so, following up here, what is... what are they not?

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Because I think we can group strengths and lots of things.

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They could be amazing.

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What are strengths not?

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-Yeah, I'm glad you asked that.

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You know, they're not labels.

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They're not meant to,

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you know, make people feel boxed in,

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or people that reference them as a you're a high responsibility,

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which is one of the strength names.

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So, you must do X.

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They're also not excuses for behavior.

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And a lot of people say, well, because I have high belief,

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which is another strength name,

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I'm really within my core convictions,

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so I can't change or be flexible or think differently

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or a little bit more open-minded.

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So they're not those things.

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They're really meant to serve the purpose of,

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from a positive psychology perspective,

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helping people identify the things that they're naturally good at

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as far as how they show up to do those things,

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and then to navigate the things that they're not necessarily leading with

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from a talent perspective,

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but not excusing it away to not ever do those things.

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And there are 34 talent themes or strengths that come with this assessment,

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and everyone has talent.

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And everyone has all 34 strengths that Gallup classifies.

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It's how you show up and lead within your top 10

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that really make the difference for you in day to day.

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-I appreciate you elaborating on that and helping us think about strengths

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in different ways and how to leverage them.

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And I think we're obviously going to keep diving into this exploration of strengths,

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but you can't go too far into strengths

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without bringing up the word that so often is paired with strengths.

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-Yeah.

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-And that's what's viewed as the opposite:

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weakness.

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-Yeah.

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-What... why are we focusing on strengths as opposed to weaknesses?

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And what drives that focus?

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-It's a great question as well.

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So I think Don Clifton, who was part of Gallup,

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was a big founding member of CliftonStrengths and really created that tool,

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he talks specifically about that.

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Instead of focusing on what we don't do well, let's focus on what we do well.

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And I think if you go to, let's say, a therapy appointment

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or you're conversing with someone

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and they want to focus on how to fix it,

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and that's always a big thing, right?

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Like, let me go in and dive in and just resolve this

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or help you navigate this a little bit differently.

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This really took a different approach.

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And the research that was, you know,

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grounded in about four decades of research really popped through.

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Let's focus on what you really are capable of

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and how that can show up for you to help you feel better

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and accomplish the things

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versus try to reverse course, make you something that you're not,

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force you into something that doesn't feel natural

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because you might trip over yourself,

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and then maybe you partner with those around you

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who are better at some things than you are,

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which sometimes can be tough.

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You know, we're big achievers in our society.

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We want to be the one to own it all

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and do it all and have that sense of reliability.

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However, we can't do it all, and people really do need one another.

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And so that's a little bit of the delineation there on

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we don't want to focus on what you don't do well, it's... you know,

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I'm never going to be a pro basketball player, right?

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I'm just not, right?

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I can barely dribble the ball.

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I don't have that great coordination.

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So why put myself through the torture of doing that constantly every day

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only to be maybe mediocre at best

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when there are people who do it very, very well?

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-Keep going with some of this

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because I think sometimes as we look at strengths,

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-Mm hmm.

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-there might be some that I might look at and go, hey, I want that.

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And so, you know, can I go and learn and train and become better at it?

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And so that's one aspect.

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And the other is, do these strengths... do they change as we age?

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Do they become more refined or do some get retired and others emerge?

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You know, how do they kind of fluctuate, come and go in our lives?

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And can we change any of that?

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-Yeah, I love your thinking here.

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I think these are very typical questions when individuals take this assessment.

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So your first question is, you look at your entire report data.

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So you've got these 34 talent themes that have sorted out for you.

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And there's a lot of really good, very detailed information

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that is output in your report.

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The report itself, if you take the assessment and you get your full 34

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is what we call it versus just your top five,

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you can look at the detail that really outlines and aggregates the data

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from your 1 through 34 themes

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that really are unique and specific to you.

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And so your exact strengths

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and the order in which they sequentially output within the Gallup report

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is one in 33 million just in the top five with that exact output.

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It's very unique to the individual.

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And even if you find a strengths twin...

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So even if, say, Daniel, you and Peter had the exact top five,

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which would be extremely rare,

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your data is going to look different

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because it is aggregated information all the way through your report,

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and some of that information may not look exactly like one another

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because we are unique as people.

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So if I were to say, I have a little strengths envy, is what we'll call it,

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I really wish I had more focus

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because that might be my number 28 or 29 in my report.

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Instead, I have something else called Woo,

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which is my number one,

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and I'm all over the place, right,

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I like to network and talk to people and I draw energy from others

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but I have a harder time being more of that execution type style

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where I need to sit down, focus, and get things done out the door.

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And so the goal is not to think about

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how do I move my focus upward into my top 10,

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but it's more about how do I navigate that?

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What other strengths can I use within my top 10, within my realm of talent,

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to help me feel a little bit more focused,

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and know thyself,

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and maybe spend some time in considering

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I need to carve out some uninterrupted space for myself

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where I'm not going to be distracted by other people,

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where I want to socialize naturally,

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and think about how I can get that work done.

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And so, if you continue to invest and invest and invest

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in a strength that may be a little bit lower in your realm,

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it doesn't mean you can't focus.

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But to focus on that specific one may hinder you

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from doing things more optimally.

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So why spend time learning how to dribble that basketball

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for 10 hours a day,

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only to realize that had I had that natural talent

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a little bit more in that top 10 area,

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I would be able to shoot hoops and dribble basketballs all day long.

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So in other words,

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if you're thinking about a strength that you wish you had,

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think again.

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You probably have it in there somewhere.

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You're just using your other strengths to sub in a little bit for that.

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So I do get a question a lot from leaders who say,

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“Oh gosh, my number 34 strength is strategic.

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How am I ever going to think strategically as a leader?

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That's part of my core competency.

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What will I do?”

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And I often say to them

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what I learned from Gallup early on with some of this work is,

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“Well, you think, don't you?”

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”Well, yeah, yeah. Sure. You think.”

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”Okay, well then there's some strategy in there.

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You're able to create a plan.

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You're functioning in life.”

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The same thing with communication.

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“Oh, my communication's over 34.

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How will I ever get this information out effectively?”

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Because you are able to communicate,

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but you may use other strengths to pull from it.

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It may not articulate the way that a person

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with high communication can do so naturally.

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So, there's a little bit of that understanding

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and giving yourself the ability to embrace

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that it's okay that that's not what you lead with

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because you have other talents that you definitely do.

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-It's such a helpful way to reframe that.

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And I think it's somewhat counter to a lot of the way

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we're taught or raised or educated.

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-Yeah.

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-As you're trying to achieve that and look...

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What's everybody around?

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And that term you used of strength's envy.

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I can say I've definitely experienced strength's envy

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-Yeah.

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-over my life as I look at what other people can do.

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-Yeah, yeah, I think you're both really spot on here.

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I think when we grow up, right,

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and we have teachers and counselors and coaches and employers who say,

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“Oh, this is what you're doing wrong.

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Let's go ahead and figure out how we can fix that,

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or how we can navigate that,

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or how we can improve this.”

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And so, as a society, we are so laser-focused on that,

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and how we just can do better.

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Instead, it's about identifying, again,

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not what you can or can't do, but how you do it.

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And that's what these strengths are really showcasing for yourself.

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And so you don't really necessarily mature and grow in one strength,

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but you are able to not necessarily think about your strengths

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and using those singularly,

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but pairing them up to get things done.

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Or even better,

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partnering with someone that you know brings that natural talent

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00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:02,916
that can help you navigate or work through

251
00:13:02,916 --> 00:13:05,041
to get that work across the finished line.

252
00:13:05,458 --> 00:13:07,750
-Yeah that synergy makes such a difference.

253
00:13:08,166 --> 00:13:08,500
-It does.

254
00:13:08,500 --> 00:13:10,041
-So let's expand on this

255
00:13:10,041 --> 00:13:13,583
because we will often hear this term of leverage your strengths.

256
00:13:14,166 --> 00:13:17,125
You know, what does that really mean from your vantage point?

257
00:13:17,125 --> 00:13:21,208
And how can leaders really utilize that perspective?

258
00:13:21,833 --> 00:13:27,083
-Yeah, so leveraging your strength is really being very contextual to use your strength.

259
00:13:27,500 --> 00:13:33,458
So Gallup has a model built around name, claim, aim your strengths.

260
00:13:33,833 --> 00:13:37,541
Naming your strengths is not necessarily memorizing those strengths,

261
00:13:37,541 --> 00:13:41,500
but identifying and being able to recall what those strengths are,

262
00:13:41,500 --> 00:13:43,708
at least if you know one or two of those, right?

263
00:13:43,708 --> 00:13:46,833
Like, what are my top one or two strengths that show up for me daily?

264
00:13:47,375 --> 00:13:50,708
And then, claim is about embracing your strengths,

265
00:13:51,250 --> 00:13:54,625
and feeling good and enjoying who you are.

266
00:13:54,625 --> 00:13:55,625
And you know what?

267
00:13:55,625 --> 00:13:57,666
That's a good thing that I show up with this.

268
00:13:58,208 --> 00:14:01,708
And then the aim part is a little bit more of that sticky part.

269
00:14:01,708 --> 00:14:03,750
Like we have to be very intentional.

270
00:14:04,000 --> 00:14:06,791
And that's the leveraging of your strength.

271
00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:11,666
You're intentional about taking that strength and utilizing it.

272
00:14:12,166 --> 00:14:16,333
That's where you get the best output for yourself every day,

273
00:14:16,333 --> 00:14:19,125
and that you're really operating on the (inaudible).

274
00:14:19,666 --> 00:14:21,291
-Is it possible to

275
00:14:21,875 --> 00:14:27,916
over-leverage one's strengths to then use and work your strengths too much?

276
00:14:27,916 --> 00:14:30,333
And how does that come about?

277
00:14:30,333 --> 00:14:31,875
How to prevent it?

278
00:14:32,750 --> 00:14:33,875
What would you say to that?

279
00:14:34,000 --> 00:14:36,375
-Oh, yes, absolutely.

280
00:14:36,375 --> 00:14:37,750
I talk about this quite often.

281
00:14:37,750 --> 00:14:41,000
They're called blind spots, is how Gallup references those.

282
00:14:41,625 --> 00:14:44,583
And with a blind spot, because all strengths are good,

283
00:14:44,583 --> 00:14:46,958
there's not one better than the other, right?

284
00:14:46,958 --> 00:14:51,375
They're neutral, they're all very positive, and a good way to think.

285
00:14:51,958 --> 00:14:56,166
You can definitely overuse a strength where it can become a hindrance.

286
00:14:56,625 --> 00:15:00,041
And if that happens, you're really tripping over yourself.

287
00:15:00,250 --> 00:15:03,708
And so there you have to put some guardrails up to kind of identify

288
00:15:04,041 --> 00:15:07,625
how may I be overusing a particular strength?

289
00:15:08,041 --> 00:15:11,375
So, if I lead with communication as a strength

290
00:15:12,125 --> 00:15:14,000
am I going to dominate the room?

291
00:15:14,208 --> 00:15:18,708
That doesn't give me that excuse to do so or dominate that conversation.

292
00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:22,708
So you have to temper that at times and know your audience.

293
00:15:23,291 --> 00:15:28,208
And I have a strength called context and another strength called input.

294
00:15:28,500 --> 00:15:33,166
Context is all about history and a little bit of caution with that.

295
00:15:33,166 --> 00:15:37,041
And let's make sure that we don't repeat mistakes based on what we've done.

296
00:15:37,333 --> 00:15:40,583
And then the other strength, input, is all about details.

297
00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:45,541
And so I often say to people, I'm quite riveting in my conversation, right?

298
00:15:45,541 --> 00:15:48,083
Because I want to talk about the details of history.

299
00:15:48,458 --> 00:15:50,583
But then you see the eyes glaze over

300
00:15:50,583 --> 00:15:52,833
with some of the people you're conversing with,

301
00:15:52,833 --> 00:15:56,208
and you think, oh, maybe you're not into this as much.

302
00:15:56,416 --> 00:16:01,458
And so it's really being aware of yourself and with your audience

303
00:16:01,458 --> 00:16:03,791
to make sure that you don't overdo it,

304
00:16:04,166 --> 00:16:06,625
that you don't make delays occur

305
00:16:06,625 --> 00:16:08,666
because you've got high deliberative

306
00:16:08,666 --> 00:16:10,958
and you're really assessing risk.

307
00:16:11,333 --> 00:16:15,916
Or you are over-communicating, overthinking.

308
00:16:16,500 --> 00:16:19,625
If you've got high analytical, which is another strength,

309
00:16:20,041 --> 00:16:23,541
are you looking at root cause too deeply

310
00:16:23,541 --> 00:16:25,916
and that you just can't get past yourself

311
00:16:26,125 --> 00:16:30,125
to deliver some sort of outcome or decision,

312
00:16:30,333 --> 00:16:32,083
which is not uncommon.

313
00:16:32,208 --> 00:16:34,708
So you just have to really navigate that very carefully.

314
00:16:35,125 --> 00:16:38,541
-As our listeners are hearing this conversation about strengths,

315
00:16:38,541 --> 00:16:41,708
and some may have been exposed to the strengths finders,

316
00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:44,083
you know, assessment, others may have not.

317
00:16:44,208 --> 00:16:44,583
-Yeah.

318
00:16:45,500 --> 00:16:47,500
What suggestions do you have for those that

319
00:16:47,500 --> 00:16:50,791
may not have taken it or be exposed to just...

320
00:16:51,375 --> 00:16:51,791
-Yeah.

321
00:16:51,791 --> 00:16:54,958
-What are natural ways to help identify some of our own strengths?

322
00:16:54,958 --> 00:16:57,083
-Yeah, I think that's a great question.

323
00:16:57,083 --> 00:17:00,000
So I'm a huge advocate of the tool itself

324
00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:03,083
because it really helps to validate some of that specific data.

325
00:17:03,333 --> 00:17:05,791
If you have not taken that assessment,

326
00:17:06,208 --> 00:17:11,125
you can absolutely identify what you need and what you bring to the table.

327
00:17:11,583 --> 00:17:15,208
Funny enough, Gallup actually has an activity that circulates around

328
00:17:15,458 --> 00:17:19,791
organizations and individuals that help people identify

329
00:17:20,416 --> 00:17:22,291
this is exactly what I bring.

330
00:17:22,583 --> 00:17:24,125
This is exactly what I need.

331
00:17:24,125 --> 00:17:28,583
So, if you apply that or leverage that into the work environment even,

332
00:17:28,916 --> 00:17:32,708
it's thinking through what am I good at?

333
00:17:33,041 --> 00:17:34,583
What really shows up for me

334
00:17:34,583 --> 00:17:39,000
where I can actually add value to a conversation or to a project?

335
00:17:39,250 --> 00:17:44,125
Or even a social setting to some sort of fun event.

336
00:17:44,333 --> 00:17:46,666
You know, where can I play a part?

337
00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:49,500
And then what do I need in return?

338
00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:53,250
And if you think about from a work perspective that could be,

339
00:17:53,541 --> 00:17:57,458
I really need saying clear direction and expectation,

340
00:17:57,666 --> 00:18:00,125
or how I'm going to be measured in something,

341
00:18:00,500 --> 00:18:03,541
or what is expected from the outcome in this goal.

342
00:18:04,041 --> 00:18:08,166
And so, if you can figure out and maybe even write that down,

343
00:18:08,166 --> 00:18:10,666
because you may have that recorded in your mind,

344
00:18:10,666 --> 00:18:12,458
but other people can't read that.

345
00:18:12,750 --> 00:18:17,208
So, put it to paper and explain that to someone you're working with.

346
00:18:17,708 --> 00:18:21,666
And then there's the other aspect of this activity, which can be,

347
00:18:22,041 --> 00:18:26,166
you know, this is... you can count on me to do this for you.

348
00:18:26,166 --> 00:18:29,958
This is really where you can lean into me and utilize my talents.

349
00:18:30,416 --> 00:18:32,333
And you can go back and reflect.

350
00:18:32,333 --> 00:18:35,916
Where are people giving you feedback to tell you,

351
00:18:35,916 --> 00:18:37,291
“You know what you're really good at?

352
00:18:37,291 --> 00:18:38,791
You're so approachable.

353
00:18:39,083 --> 00:18:40,583
You've got such a great ear.

354
00:18:40,583 --> 00:18:42,833
Thanks for helping me with this.”

355
00:18:43,083 --> 00:18:48,208
Or even, “I can really lean into you to help develop me.

356
00:18:48,541 --> 00:18:50,250
And you've been a great mentor,

357
00:18:50,250 --> 00:18:52,083
or helped me kind of think through some goals,

358
00:18:52,083 --> 00:18:53,791
or put that plan together.”

359
00:18:54,208 --> 00:18:57,916
And then, “This is what I need from you in return.”

360
00:18:58,166 --> 00:19:03,208
And really complete that activity to kind of develop that partnership even further.

361
00:19:03,416 --> 00:19:05,041
So there are ways to converge.

362
00:19:05,333 --> 00:19:07,750
You just have to organize the conversation

363
00:19:07,875 --> 00:19:11,583
and considering what you need and what you bring to the table

364
00:19:11,583 --> 00:19:13,083
to get things done together.

365
00:19:13,500 --> 00:19:17,166
-It sounds like it's really that kind of reflective activity

366
00:19:17,583 --> 00:19:22,208
of kind of seeing what sort of feedback have you gotten from others

367
00:19:22,791 --> 00:19:25,791
as well and assembling that and thinking, oh, okay.

368
00:19:26,166 --> 00:19:27,875
That is an indication, perhaps.

369
00:19:28,041 --> 00:19:31,000
And I... and let me add one thing and see what you think about it.

370
00:19:31,375 --> 00:19:34,125
It's also what energizes you.

371
00:19:34,833 --> 00:19:39,375
If you get more energy as you do that behavior

372
00:19:39,375 --> 00:19:43,166
or that activity, that often is a strengthening,

373
00:19:43,625 --> 00:19:45,416
or ultimately a strength.

374
00:19:45,625 --> 00:19:49,083
And if something kind of drains you or weakens you,

375
00:19:50,125 --> 00:19:54,708
that's often an indication that that might not be a strength of yours.

376
00:19:55,041 --> 00:19:58,541
Now, there might be needs for us in a moment

377
00:19:58,541 --> 00:20:03,500
to kind of show up and summon up some of that extra energy

378
00:20:03,500 --> 00:20:06,250
and put it in areas that we might not normally do that.

379
00:20:06,750 --> 00:20:09,125
And this is where I want to start talking about

380
00:20:09,458 --> 00:20:13,250
constant change and stress around us.

381
00:20:13,666 --> 00:20:15,166
So, how do we...

382
00:20:15,916 --> 00:20:18,000
How do we manage our strengths?

383
00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:23,166
How do our strengths show up as we are in constant change?

384
00:20:23,458 --> 00:20:28,083
What should we pay attention to and manage through those moments?

385
00:20:28,083 --> 00:20:32,500
Because those moments seem to be sometimes never-ending

386
00:20:32,791 --> 00:20:35,250
for a few of us in organizations these days.

387
00:20:35,583 --> 00:20:37,583
-So well put, Daniel.

388
00:20:37,916 --> 00:20:38,375
Yeah.

389
00:20:38,375 --> 00:20:41,500
I mean, who recalls even just a few years ago,

390
00:20:41,791 --> 00:20:45,250
how many times did we hear we're living in unprecedented times?

391
00:20:45,666 --> 00:20:48,333
And change fatigue is real.

392
00:20:48,708 --> 00:20:51,958
And there's a lot of research and work around this.

393
00:20:51,958 --> 00:20:55,541
People are certified in change management and how to navigate that.

394
00:20:55,750 --> 00:20:59,166
And everyone really navigates change very differently.

395
00:20:59,666 --> 00:21:02,833
And it's the first thing is understanding that

396
00:21:02,833 --> 00:21:05,041
and giving people grace in this space

397
00:21:05,041 --> 00:21:08,500
because you may show up and how you embrace change

398
00:21:08,750 --> 00:21:11,875
might look very different from me for a number of reasons.

399
00:21:12,166 --> 00:21:15,791
And that change fatigue and really weigh heavily on each of us.

400
00:21:16,166 --> 00:21:17,875
And so when we're in an environment,

401
00:21:17,875 --> 00:21:21,666
whether it's work, whether it's personal, where there's constant change,

402
00:21:21,958 --> 00:21:24,000
it can feel very disruptive.

403
00:21:24,250 --> 00:21:26,125
It can make us feel stuck.

404
00:21:26,625 --> 00:21:32,166
So you have to think about not throwing all of your strengths

405
00:21:32,166 --> 00:21:33,583
or how you might show up,

406
00:21:34,041 --> 00:21:38,166
to maybe angle that toward embracing that change

407
00:21:38,166 --> 00:21:39,750
or navigating that change,

408
00:21:39,916 --> 00:21:43,291
not about being fearless, like that's not what it means.

409
00:21:43,583 --> 00:21:47,333
You have to really scale it and maybe be very selective

410
00:21:47,333 --> 00:21:51,625
in that leveraging of that intentionality around your strengths.

411
00:21:51,625 --> 00:21:53,208
So maybe you pick one or two.

412
00:21:53,583 --> 00:21:56,375
So for me, if I look at my data and I say,

413
00:21:56,375 --> 00:22:00,666
gosh, I lead with context as a strength, as my number two,

414
00:22:01,416 --> 00:22:06,625
I really need to go back and identify what I have learned from the past.

415
00:22:06,916 --> 00:22:10,000
So for me, it's very easy to go back and say, hmm,

416
00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:12,791
I've had this change in my life.

417
00:22:13,083 --> 00:22:14,750
How did I get through that?

418
00:22:15,041 --> 00:22:19,458
What are some things I did to come out on the other side unscathed?

419
00:22:19,791 --> 00:22:23,083
Or what were some of the lessons I learned on what not to do

420
00:22:23,291 --> 00:22:25,291
and to put those guardrails up,

421
00:22:25,291 --> 00:22:27,083
and to maybe temper some of that

422
00:22:27,083 --> 00:22:29,791
so that I don't repeat the same mistakes?

423
00:22:30,041 --> 00:22:32,791
Not everybody may have that strength that they lead with.

424
00:22:32,958 --> 00:22:36,208
It doesn't mean they can't go to that moment of reflection,

425
00:22:36,708 --> 00:22:40,125
but there are probably some tools and things to think through

426
00:22:40,666 --> 00:22:43,500
if I lead with maybe high discipline,

427
00:22:43,500 --> 00:22:45,916
which is a strength that helps you create

428
00:22:45,916 --> 00:22:50,000
maybe a construct or a plan where you like order and methodology,

429
00:22:50,208 --> 00:22:53,458
do I need to map that out for myself again?

430
00:22:53,833 --> 00:22:59,041
Do I need options if I lead with a strategic thinking theme like strategy or strategic?

431
00:22:59,541 --> 00:23:03,708
Maybe I need to think about path A leads here, path B leads here.

432
00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:05,583
I'm going to go with Path C.

433
00:23:05,916 --> 00:23:08,041
That's the path of least resistance.

434
00:23:08,250 --> 00:23:12,916
So it's being very mindful and intentional about selecting one or two strengths

435
00:23:13,208 --> 00:23:18,041
without going all in and putting that pressure on yourself.

436
00:23:18,375 --> 00:23:19,916
I have to get through this.

437
00:23:20,125 --> 00:23:22,333
I've done, I've seen worse things.

438
00:23:22,541 --> 00:23:24,458
I can't believe I'm feeling stuck.

439
00:23:24,791 --> 00:23:28,833
It's okay to validate with yourself that it's a little bit paralyzing.

440
00:23:29,291 --> 00:23:32,666
And that you may need some help to reprioritize things

441
00:23:32,958 --> 00:23:36,583
as you embrace that constant change that may be coming at you

442
00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:40,625
especially at work, but could be from all facets in life, truly.

443
00:23:40,875 --> 00:23:46,291
-No, it's really good to think about how we personally respond

444
00:23:46,500 --> 00:23:46,750
-Yeah.

445
00:23:46,750 --> 00:23:48,458
-to these change situations.

446
00:23:48,750 --> 00:23:51,125
And I think a lot of this conversation about strengths

447
00:23:51,125 --> 00:23:53,541
has been focused on that self-identification,

448
00:23:53,875 --> 00:23:55,041
which is so valuable.

449
00:23:55,291 --> 00:23:58,833
And even just that moment to pause and recognize

450
00:23:58,833 --> 00:24:01,875
and ask answer some of those key questions you're asking

451
00:24:02,125 --> 00:24:03,291
about what we're good at.

452
00:24:03,458 --> 00:24:03,750
-Yeah.

453
00:24:03,750 --> 00:24:05,750
-What energizes us, those things.

454
00:24:06,083 --> 00:24:07,625
That's powerful for a leader.

455
00:24:08,041 --> 00:24:12,708
But let's pivot a little bit because leaders are not all about themselves.

456
00:24:12,708 --> 00:24:13,208
(laughing)

457
00:24:13,208 --> 00:24:15,083
At least we shouldn't be.

458
00:24:15,083 --> 00:24:16,666
We want to learn about ourselves.

459
00:24:17,083 --> 00:24:20,958
But it's also about trying to bring out the best in those around us.

460
00:24:20,958 --> 00:24:21,291
-Mmm.

461
00:24:21,500 --> 00:24:27,166
-How can a leader apply this strengths perspective to those around us?

462
00:24:27,166 --> 00:24:29,250
-Yeah, I think that's so great.

463
00:24:29,250 --> 00:24:30,208
You know, leaders...

464
00:24:30,875 --> 00:24:33,083
You know, leaders are held to higher standards, right?

465
00:24:33,083 --> 00:24:35,541
And they have to be a little bit selfless in this moment.

466
00:24:35,541 --> 00:24:40,041
I mean, the first thing is put your own oxygen mask on first, right,

467
00:24:40,041 --> 00:24:41,166
before assisting others.

468
00:24:41,166 --> 00:24:44,291
There's my airline lingo for all the years at Southwest.

469
00:24:44,583 --> 00:24:46,166
So you have to take care of yourself.

470
00:24:46,166 --> 00:24:49,041
You have to anchor yourself in some of your own well-being needs.

471
00:24:49,458 --> 00:24:51,625
Understand how you show up for yourself

472
00:24:51,916 --> 00:24:55,750
and then be prepared to lean into the people around you.

473
00:24:56,000 --> 00:24:59,333
As a leader, if you have direct reports or even indirect reports,

474
00:24:59,666 --> 00:25:01,333
it's asking and listening.

475
00:25:01,333 --> 00:25:03,958
It's going back to some of those coaching principles.

476
00:25:04,333 --> 00:25:08,041
It's not necessarily consulting or even mentoring,

477
00:25:08,375 --> 00:25:09,750
but really thinking about

478
00:25:09,750 --> 00:25:14,125
how do I want to ask the individual across from me or on a call,

479
00:25:14,541 --> 00:25:15,625
how are you doing?

480
00:25:16,291 --> 00:25:17,500
What's working for you?

481
00:25:17,500 --> 00:25:18,833
What's not working for you?

482
00:25:19,083 --> 00:25:24,125
What do I need to deflect for you or help remove from an obstacle perspective?

483
00:25:24,541 --> 00:25:28,750
And then maybe even get a little bit more deep and ask,

484
00:25:29,791 --> 00:25:31,875
“How is this change affecting you?

485
00:25:31,875 --> 00:25:33,666
But how are you navigating it?

486
00:25:34,250 --> 00:25:35,583
What have you done before?’

487
00:25:35,583 --> 00:25:38,041
Especially if you know their strengths, but even if you don't,

488
00:25:38,458 --> 00:25:39,791
it's how do you...

489
00:25:40,500 --> 00:25:44,416
identify what's going to work well for you this week.

490
00:25:44,583 --> 00:25:45,500
Let's scale it.

491
00:25:45,500 --> 00:25:49,333
It's not about jumping into the deep end of the pool and trying to swim.

492
00:25:49,666 --> 00:25:55,041
It's about, all right, I'm going to help you think through a couple of options

493
00:25:55,041 --> 00:25:58,458
where I have noticed that you have navigated this very well.

494
00:25:59,375 --> 00:26:03,375
There's always the question whenever I coach someone is,

495
00:26:03,666 --> 00:26:06,041
you know, how do you want to handle this?

496
00:26:06,208 --> 00:26:07,916
How do you want to go about this?

497
00:26:08,250 --> 00:26:11,333
And oftentimes we might get a little bit of that look of like,

498
00:26:11,833 --> 00:26:13,875
“I don't know, that's why I'm asking you.”

499
00:26:14,333 --> 00:26:16,666
And then I would often reply with,

500
00:26:16,666 --> 00:26:19,083
“Well, what would you advise your best friend to do?”

501
00:26:19,500 --> 00:26:23,083
Naturally, they are going to gravitate toward

502
00:26:23,083 --> 00:26:25,250
how they would self-solve

503
00:26:25,708 --> 00:26:27,750
because that's how they show up with that.

504
00:26:27,958 --> 00:26:30,166
And I say, “I think that's a great start.

505
00:26:30,458 --> 00:26:31,541
Let's go there.”

506
00:26:32,208 --> 00:26:34,500
And now, from a next step perspective,

507
00:26:34,666 --> 00:26:37,375
what do you see or what outcomes do you want to see

508
00:26:37,375 --> 00:26:39,375
that comes from this by end of week,

509
00:26:39,625 --> 00:26:41,875
or end of month, or whatever that time is?

510
00:26:42,291 --> 00:26:44,916
And then get them to maybe think through

511
00:26:45,333 --> 00:26:47,666
just some things that you can even share.

512
00:26:49,041 --> 00:26:51,458
As leaders, you know, it's...

513
00:26:51,458 --> 00:26:52,666
It's tough, right?

514
00:26:52,666 --> 00:26:56,833
Because we're trying to navigate the work we have that we're responsible for

515
00:26:57,125 --> 00:26:58,750
and the care of our own employees

516
00:26:58,750 --> 00:27:01,541
while still reminding ourselves we too are human.

517
00:27:01,791 --> 00:27:05,083
So I often tell people that have leaders,

518
00:27:05,375 --> 00:27:07,333
you know, leaders are people too, right?

519
00:27:07,333 --> 00:27:09,125
Like, they're not going to do everything perfect.

520
00:27:09,583 --> 00:27:11,500
But if you can help your employees

521
00:27:11,791 --> 00:27:15,125
through asking and listening versus just consulting,

522
00:27:15,708 --> 00:27:17,291
it will really make a difference

523
00:27:17,291 --> 00:27:21,333
to help them feel like they can maybe open up a little bit more

524
00:27:21,541 --> 00:27:23,833
and think through what values they can bring

525
00:27:23,833 --> 00:27:27,458
and also what they need to the table, exactly what we were talking about.

526
00:27:27,791 --> 00:27:31,000
-I like this perspective-taking questioning

527
00:27:31,291 --> 00:27:34,500
to ask somebody else, how would you go about this?

528
00:27:34,500 --> 00:27:37,875
Or what advice would you have for somebody else?

529
00:27:37,875 --> 00:27:40,541
Or what would somebody else even suggest to you

530
00:27:40,541 --> 00:27:43,375
as a way of kind of opening up

531
00:27:43,791 --> 00:27:46,208
and seeing how they think

532
00:27:46,500 --> 00:27:48,291
and what strengths do they have

533
00:27:48,291 --> 00:27:51,125
because they will naturally gravitate to their preferences,

534
00:27:51,125 --> 00:27:53,625
what energizes, what excites them.

535
00:27:54,250 --> 00:27:56,958
So let me ask you a question.

536
00:27:57,125 --> 00:27:59,250
Sometimes you go into an organization

537
00:27:59,625 --> 00:28:03,458
and they are so believing in these strengths

538
00:28:03,458 --> 00:28:05,375
that they might like print them out.

539
00:28:06,083 --> 00:28:08,875
They have them on their cube or their desk.

540
00:28:09,250 --> 00:28:12,458
And I have to admit, I have mixed feelings about that

541
00:28:12,458 --> 00:28:15,208
because it's informative and educational.

542
00:28:15,500 --> 00:28:17,000
And yet, somehow

543
00:28:17,416 --> 00:28:20,416
it can also lead to misperceptions so that,

544
00:28:20,750 --> 00:28:24,500
say, I want to have a more strategic, critical conversation.

545
00:28:24,875 --> 00:28:26,541
I go over to you, Tiffany,

546
00:28:26,708 --> 00:28:31,750
and if I don't see strategy somewhere in the strengths, I'm like, oh, great.

547
00:28:32,375 --> 00:28:34,708
She won't be able to do this very well.

548
00:28:35,250 --> 00:28:36,583
I'm going to have to be patient.

549
00:28:37,166 --> 00:28:39,083
No, I'm going to go to talk to somebody.

550
00:28:39,375 --> 00:28:41,875
And yet, that's not the intent.

551
00:28:42,375 --> 00:28:46,916
The intent is to appreciate and start and respect those strengths,

552
00:28:47,250 --> 00:28:49,166
not to step away.

553
00:28:49,166 --> 00:28:52,916
So how do you manage that understanding

554
00:28:52,916 --> 00:28:56,000
of other people's strengths in that process?

555
00:28:56,208 --> 00:29:00,083
-Yeah, gosh, this is a very prevalent question as well.

556
00:29:00,083 --> 00:29:03,666
I think people have a natural fear of being perceived

557
00:29:03,666 --> 00:29:05,416
that they can't get something done

558
00:29:05,416 --> 00:29:08,000
or they can't show up the way they're expected to show up.

559
00:29:08,500 --> 00:29:11,791
So, you know, it's a reminder, first of all,

560
00:29:11,791 --> 00:29:18,666
that our data is so unique to us that sometimes if I look at a strength on a report

561
00:29:18,666 --> 00:29:23,666
it's completely outside that standard content or definition that Gallup might even define.

562
00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:25,625
It's so unique to the individual.

563
00:29:25,625 --> 00:29:28,833
So I'll take Achiever as an example.

564
00:29:28,833 --> 00:29:31,458
Achiever is the number one strength in America.

565
00:29:31,958 --> 00:29:35,291
And that's all about stamina, getting things done,

566
00:29:35,541 --> 00:29:39,458
and typically achievers from a standard content perspective

567
00:29:39,833 --> 00:29:46,541
really garner satisfaction by checking things off a list.

568
00:29:46,666 --> 00:29:49,125
So they have a task list a mile long.

569
00:29:49,333 --> 00:29:51,333
And they're going through and they're feeling good.

570
00:29:51,333 --> 00:29:53,875
They might even jot down something because they did it,

571
00:29:53,875 --> 00:29:57,166
but didn't have on their list, just to get that satiation,

572
00:29:57,416 --> 00:29:59,166
check it off, or to cross it out.

573
00:29:59,666 --> 00:30:01,375
And they do this even on the weekends.

574
00:30:01,625 --> 00:30:05,291
I have a little bit of Achiever envy because I don't have that particular strength.

575
00:30:05,625 --> 00:30:09,333
But it is one of those that that's what it's kind of known as.

576
00:30:09,541 --> 00:30:11,875
Now, if you meet someone with Achiever,

577
00:30:12,208 --> 00:30:14,750
they might say, “Yeah, that sounds exactly like me.”

578
00:30:15,000 --> 00:30:20,583
I have coached people who have had number one Achiever in their data,

579
00:30:20,583 --> 00:30:24,625
and they look nothing like the Achiever standard content.

580
00:30:24,875 --> 00:30:28,083
And I'll say, “Don't you love checking things off the list?”

581
00:30:28,083 --> 00:30:31,708
They're like, “Mmmmm...... not really. I mean it's part of it.”

582
00:30:32,125 --> 00:30:36,041
And then I think, oh, whoa, okay, I've not seen this show up before in a report.

583
00:30:36,041 --> 00:30:37,208
How interesting.

584
00:30:37,666 --> 00:30:41,958
And so when you think about people putting these names

585
00:30:41,958 --> 00:30:45,750
with their personal effects on their desk or on their door

586
00:30:45,750 --> 00:30:49,166
or even in their their their MS Teens or Zoom,

587
00:30:49,458 --> 00:30:51,500
and because it can show up and integrate,

588
00:30:52,958 --> 00:30:54,250
we go back to some of that.

589
00:30:54,250 --> 00:30:58,000
I often lead with, “Now, how does Achiever show up for you?

590
00:30:58,000 --> 00:30:59,125
I'm curious.”

591
00:30:59,125 --> 00:31:03,291
Without making assumptions, I like to dive in and ask.

592
00:31:03,833 --> 00:31:08,583
And there's nothing more that people love than talking about themselves.

593
00:31:08,916 --> 00:31:12,833
Oh, I can show you here's my Achiever and how that shows up for me.

594
00:31:12,958 --> 00:31:14,208
And I like to be busy

595
00:31:14,541 --> 00:31:18,208
And then I'll ask them, “What's that blind spot you've got there with Achiever?

596
00:31:18,208 --> 00:31:19,916
Is there anything that stands out for you?”

597
00:31:20,375 --> 00:31:21,500
And it could look like,

598
00:31:21,875 --> 00:31:26,458
“Yeah. I look around and wonder why no one's as busy as me.

599
00:31:26,458 --> 00:31:28,166
Why am I doing all of the work?”

600
00:31:28,541 --> 00:31:31,750
And so I might say, “Oh, how do you navigate that?”

601
00:31:32,375 --> 00:31:33,500
And that's tough, right?

602
00:31:33,500 --> 00:31:36,625
Like I'm asking more questions than what I'm assuming

603
00:31:36,916 --> 00:31:40,416
because our natural instinct is to make assumptions about people.

604
00:31:40,416 --> 00:31:42,916
Like I can figure that person out in five seconds.

605
00:31:43,458 --> 00:31:44,833
But I say think again,

606
00:31:45,208 --> 00:31:48,541
because you may not necessarily know no matter what,

607
00:31:48,541 --> 00:31:50,833
just like you can't make an assumption on a name

608
00:31:50,833 --> 00:31:52,541
or someone's appearance.

609
00:31:52,875 --> 00:31:56,041
Or maybe they seem very humble, so you think, well,

610
00:31:56,041 --> 00:32:00,750
maybe they don't have the information or the knowledge that I have.

611
00:32:01,458 --> 00:32:05,875
So it's sort of, you know, navigating a lot more than just strengths around that,

612
00:32:05,875 --> 00:32:10,583
but it's asking and getting to know people and exploring and seeking

613
00:32:10,583 --> 00:32:14,750
from a level of curiosity more so than making those assumptions.

614
00:32:15,125 --> 00:32:19,083
-Yeah, that perspective of curiosity is so helpful in so many areas

615
00:32:19,375 --> 00:32:22,833
as we learn and we're not assuming that we know those things.

616
00:32:23,083 --> 00:32:23,416
-Yeah.

617
00:32:23,416 --> 00:32:26,583
-Well, before we wrap this up, Tiffany, I have to ask you,

618
00:32:26,583 --> 00:32:31,791
because you've spent time in an organization that has such a reputation

619
00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:32,291
-Yeah.

620
00:32:32,291 --> 00:32:34,000
-of doing so many things so well.

621
00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:34,375
-Yeah.

622
00:32:34,375 --> 00:32:36,625
-What are things that you observed that

623
00:32:36,958 --> 00:32:38,875
at your time at Southwest Airlines

624
00:32:38,875 --> 00:32:41,583
that you think would be helpful for other leaders to hear

625
00:32:41,875 --> 00:32:44,208
and potentially implement in their own areas?

626
00:32:44,416 --> 00:32:46,750
-Yeah, you know, I think

627
00:32:46,750 --> 00:32:51,916
I spent many, many years with the strengths program at Southwest,

628
00:32:51,916 --> 00:32:53,041
which was already launched.

629
00:32:53,041 --> 00:32:55,500
You know, Gallup had gone in in 2012

630
00:32:55,500 --> 00:32:58,250
and laid out this entire foundation for the program,

631
00:32:58,250 --> 00:33:01,541
did a lot of work with a couple of our departments from a grassroots perspective,

632
00:33:01,541 --> 00:33:06,166
and then it just grew and flourished to thousands and thousands of employees.

633
00:33:06,500 --> 00:33:09,458
I'm getting the opportunity to take the assessment

634
00:33:09,458 --> 00:33:12,833
and then begin diving in with some education and partnership.

635
00:33:13,541 --> 00:33:15,875
The biggest thing that I can see that I took away

636
00:33:15,875 --> 00:33:17,916
that really spoke to my heart

637
00:33:17,916 --> 00:33:19,916
because I have a lot of love for Southwest

638
00:33:19,916 --> 00:33:21,291
and a lot of love for strengths,

639
00:33:21,833 --> 00:33:29,958
is that I watched people change just in real time of maybe

640
00:33:30,833 --> 00:33:36,708
you know, tolerating, you know, differences to actually celebrating those differences.

641
00:33:37,125 --> 00:33:41,541
And so it really aligned with one of those values that Southwest really promotes,

642
00:33:41,541 --> 00:33:44,583
which is foster that sense of belonging.

643
00:33:44,958 --> 00:33:49,875
So it's making sure that people feel included, that their opinions count,

644
00:33:49,875 --> 00:33:51,791
and there's a lot of love at Southwest.

645
00:33:51,791 --> 00:33:56,583
People really do unite and love one another in that organization.

646
00:33:56,583 --> 00:34:00,416
And so that's just the expectation as an employee and especially as a leader.

647
00:34:00,916 --> 00:34:02,500
But we are different.

648
00:34:02,750 --> 00:34:05,500
And we do bring different perspectives and opinions.

649
00:34:05,500 --> 00:34:09,125
And I may not deliver something or think through something the way that you do,

650
00:34:09,291 --> 00:34:10,458
and that's okay.

651
00:34:10,958 --> 00:34:15,625
This really became a tool in our toolbox to hone in on the belief

652
00:34:15,625 --> 00:34:18,458
that it's okay that we are different.

653
00:34:18,833 --> 00:34:21,541
And it's not that you're trying to irritate me

654
00:34:21,541 --> 00:34:24,375
or that you're slow to get this stuff done.

655
00:34:24,583 --> 00:34:28,166
It's because you're thinking about it differently or approaching that differently.

656
00:34:28,458 --> 00:34:31,916
And then we began to celebrate one another with those unique differences

657
00:34:31,916 --> 00:34:35,833
so that I would intentionally seek out individuals to say,

658
00:34:36,125 --> 00:34:40,458
“I need a second set of eyes on this, and you have high maximizer in your strength.

659
00:34:40,708 --> 00:34:43,041
I'd love your perspective on this.”

660
00:34:43,333 --> 00:34:46,958
So that there doesn't become this kind of push-pull, and I'm going to own that,

661
00:34:46,958 --> 00:34:50,291
and you don't need to, and I'm going to covet my area.

662
00:34:50,458 --> 00:34:53,666
It became a bigger partnership for everyone.

663
00:34:53,916 --> 00:34:57,041
And that partnership grew to this magnitude

664
00:34:57,041 --> 00:35:00,458
that more people were soliciting one another for input and growth.

665
00:35:00,750 --> 00:35:04,041
And it really just aligned well with the culture at Southwest.

666
00:35:04,208 --> 00:35:04,916
-I love it.

667
00:35:05,250 --> 00:35:05,916
I love it.

668
00:35:06,250 --> 00:35:07,625
This is fantastic, Tiffany.

669
00:35:07,625 --> 00:35:11,250
So as we wrap up here, here's the final question.

670
00:35:11,750 --> 00:35:14,708
It's a question we ask many of our guests.

671
00:35:15,250 --> 00:35:17,083
It's the one thing question.

672
00:35:17,083 --> 00:35:18,166
And so here it is.

673
00:35:18,708 --> 00:35:24,416
What's the one thing, what's the one takeaway for that leaders should use

674
00:35:24,416 --> 00:35:29,625
and keep in mind as we then use strengths-based

675
00:35:30,041 --> 00:35:32,000
to help us lead well?

676
00:35:32,333 --> 00:35:34,416
What would you say that one thing is?

677
00:35:34,708 --> 00:35:39,291
-Yeah, I would say listen to your employees.

678
00:35:40,250 --> 00:35:42,125
Validate, right?

679
00:35:42,416 --> 00:35:44,583
So don't make assumptions.

680
00:35:44,958 --> 00:35:49,833
And if there's anything that I could recommend for any leader,

681
00:35:49,833 --> 00:35:56,625
it's reminding yourself that the way that you do things is the right way.

682
00:35:57,208 --> 00:36:01,625
The way someone who works with you or works for you does it differently

683
00:36:01,625 --> 00:36:03,916
is also the right way.

684
00:36:04,250 --> 00:36:09,083
So as you're assigning tasks or thinking about specific outcomes,

685
00:36:09,625 --> 00:36:14,708
t's not how you might march to this, it's how they might actually operate.

686
00:36:15,083 --> 00:36:16,708
And respecting that

687
00:36:17,083 --> 00:36:20,666
and just putting up some guardrails so they don't go off the cliff with this,

688
00:36:20,875 --> 00:36:25,583
but that truly they are able and empowered to get things done,

689
00:36:25,583 --> 00:36:28,291
even if it's a different approach than what you would take.

690
00:36:28,625 --> 00:36:31,791
If the work is getting done, it's getting done.

691
00:36:32,208 --> 00:36:34,875
And that was always a struggle for me as a leader is

692
00:36:34,875 --> 00:36:37,833
I wanted my team to do things the way that I would do it,

693
00:36:37,833 --> 00:36:39,375
and it worked well for me.

694
00:36:39,750 --> 00:36:41,750
It's okay to think a little bit differently.

695
00:36:41,750 --> 00:36:44,875
And I had a fantastic leader who thought differently from me

696
00:36:45,166 --> 00:36:48,958
and let me shine who I was while we operated very differently.

697
00:36:48,958 --> 00:36:52,000
So, that would be the one thing I would say is just

698
00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:53,791
keep that in the back of your mind

699
00:36:54,041 --> 00:36:58,750
so that you can help your team really optimize the way that they would naturally.

700
00:36:59,083 --> 00:36:59,875
-That's great.

701
00:36:59,875 --> 00:37:01,041
Tiffany, thank you.

702
00:37:01,041 --> 00:37:05,083
And thank you so much for being part of the Leadership Growth Podcast today.

703
00:37:05,333 --> 00:37:06,500
-Thank you both so much.

704
00:37:06,500 --> 00:37:08,375
Again, it's such an honor to be here.

705
00:37:08,375 --> 00:37:09,875
I really appreciate the time.

706
00:37:10,166 --> 00:37:12,625
-And to all of our listeners, thank you for joining us.

707
00:37:12,625 --> 00:37:17,666
And we certainly hope you've been able to take away several different tips,

708
00:37:17,666 --> 00:37:20,083
and insights, and tools to help you

709
00:37:20,583 --> 00:37:22,625
along your leadership journey.

710
00:37:22,875 --> 00:37:23,541
All the best.

711
00:37:23,541 --> 00:37:26,041
We look forward to having you join us in a future episode

712
00:37:26,041 --> 00:37:27,541
and like and subscribe.

713
00:37:27,541 --> 00:37:29,125
And until the next time,

714
00:37:29,375 --> 00:37:30,583
all the best, everyone.

715
00:37:30,583 --> 00:37:31,083
Take care.

716
00:37:31,708 --> 00:37:34,875
If you like this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague.

717
00:37:35,041 --> 00:37:38,916
Or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show.

718
00:37:39,416 --> 00:37:42,458
And remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

719
00:37:43,000 --> 00:37:44,416
For more great content

720
00:37:44,416 --> 00:37:46,791
or to learn more about how Stewart Leadership can help you

721
00:37:46,791 --> 00:37:51,708
grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com.

Episode 60: Leveraging Strengths Amid Constant Change

“Change fatigue is real,” says today’s guest, Tiffany Harvey. “And everyone really navigates change very differently.”

Tiffany is a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths® coach and client partner to Gallup. She led the CliftonStrengths program at Southwest Airlines for five years and now works as a Human Resources Manager at HOAM Ventures.

In this episode, Tiffany talks to Daniel and Peter about what strengths really are, how they can inform your leadership style and approach, and why knowing your strengths can help you deal with a constantly changing business environment.

Tune in to learn:

  • How to deal with “strength envy”
  • Whether it’s possible to overuse a strength
  • Why curiosity could be key to understanding co-workers and direct reports in a whole new way

When faced with constant change, Tiffany says, it’s not about being fearless or embracing disruptive change. “It’s about being very mindful and intentional about selecting one or two strengths” that can help you navigate the changes you’re facing.

Questions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at [email protected].

In this episode:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:29 - Episode topic
  • 01:05 - Bio - Tiffany Harvey
  • 01:46 - What really are strengths?
  • 03:05 - What strengths are not
  • 05:00 - Why focus on strengths rather than weaknesses?
  • 13:08 - How to leverage your strengths
  • 14:20 - Is it possible to over leverage your strengths?
  • 16:35 - How do you identify your own strengths?
  • 20:13 - How to manage your strengths amid constant change
  • 24:21 - How can a leader leverage this strengths perspective to those around us?
  • 28:50 - How to manage other peoples’ perceived strengths
  • 35:19 - The one thing for leaders to use a strengths-based approach to lead well
  • 37:00 - Wrap-up

Resources and Links

Gallup CliftonStrengths® Assessment

Tiffany Harvey on LinkedIn

Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:

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