Strengths Building
I first learned about the concept of building on a person's strengths instead of trying to fix the weakness in 1986. I was at a seminar and heard Dr. Donald O. Clifton talk on this subject and was captivated enough to purchase one of his tapes. In fact, I purchased a series of tapes on management, only one of which contained Dr. Clifton's talk, just so I could get his tape. His speech was on letting rabbits run, ducks fly, and squirrels climb. He went on to elaborate on this theme of building on a person's strengths and manage the weakness.
Normally we tend to focus on our weakness because we believe our strengths will be self-sufficient to remain strong and continue to be strengths; after all they are strengths. We are told that we need to be "well rounded" and in order for this to happen; we have to strengthen the weakness. Dr. Clifton challenged this and brought new insight to the marketplace. Dr. Clifton's work inspired me to consider my development as well as the work I did for and with others. Today, I am able to not only continue to build on my strengths but have the privilege of working with others on how they too can build on their strengths. As part of my work with others, I rely upon the results from a strengths finding test offered through Gallup. In 1998 Dr. Clifton along with Gallup created the online StrengthsFinder assessment. My clients can share their results from this test with me and I prepare an analysis of how their strengths and their Social Style can work together for them to become a great leader or as Zenger Folkman have coined an, "Extraordinary Leader." |
Links, Articles, Resources
“From this point of view, to avoid your strengths and to focus on your weaknesses isn't a sign of diligent humility. It is almost irresponsible. By contrast the most responsible, the most challenging, and, in the sense of being true to yourself, the most honorable thing to do is face up to the strength potential inherent in your talents and then find ways to realize it.”
― Donald O. Clifton, Now, Discover Your Strengths Services
Seminars Individual Coaching Analysis of your SOCIAL STYLE and Strengths For more information please contact: George E. Willock Willock Charitable and Leadership Coaching 335 Forsythia Court, Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: 334.444.9523, email: george@georgewillock.com |