I met with a fellow business coach, Buzz Kolbe, who has that same zest for seeing people go after their passions and goals. We were discussing some tools of the trade and how people either work in or out of their strengths. Buzz uses the term “natural vs. adaptive” style in his lingo to describe how a person approaches life and work. I liked the precision. It is what is going on.
For AscendWorks coaching clients, the first step in our process is to measure their strengths with a questionnaire that identifies their inclinations in four areas: Cognitive, Relational, Goals, and Details. The power of knowing one’s strengths is not only liberating but creates opportunity for precise, full living. I have found consistently that those who are unaware of their strengths, are random in their life. Their car engine is knocking, yet they have accepted this condition and are operating at a subpar condition. Those clients that start living into their strengths find immense focus and ability to go after their goals. They know where they need to partner and where they are fully capable and playing to what is fun for themselves.
In his book, Now Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham purports that the difference between successful people and non-successful people lies in their embracing and usage of their strengths. The latter do not know their strengths, nor do they operate in them. What things do you enjoy that you are better than a thousand other people at? It could be a key to your success.
