I chose these strengths not because I think they are the most important, or that I have mastered them. I chose these 5 strengths because I feel that I intentionally lean on them the most in my professional life.
There will always be things that I can not control. Being able to think creatively, adopt new strategies, and embrace change are forefront in my mind. In technology industries, organizations must adapt to be successful. This requires a team of adaptable people. Sometimes I am tasked with learning a new system, when the old system still appears to be working fine. When this happens I remind myself how important it is for my organization and team to be adaptable.
I think positivity compliments a lot of strengths quite well. This strength is my glue that holds everything together. When something has to change, I seek out the positives and embrace them. I often find it easier to be positive when I zoom out and look at the big picture. While I may not posses animated enthusiasm that Gallup suggests I should, I am quick to offer a glass half full perspective. I certainly despise unsolicited negativity from co-workers.
While I dislike co-workers spreading negativity, I almost never confront them about it. I certainly have sacrificed personal agenda for the benefit to team performance. When I outperform others, I don't run to my manager to let them know, I help pick up the slack and keep things moving. I do see Harmony generally as a strength but It has also been, at times a detriment. There have been times where I have an idea I know is good, but do not champion it enough because I fear others will not respond well to having their idea challenged.
I don't hate being wrong, but I do hate being wrong and thinking I am right. I think important details can get buried in complex tasks. I think Analytical strength helps me find the value in those buried details. I don't feel satisfied if I haven't fully explained a question to myself. Some of my proudest successes have come from digging deep in the details.
I truly make a conscious effort to attack everything as an opportunity to grow. This strength has paid dividends since returning to school last year. Many adults have given me the advice that getting a degree is just jumping through hoops. I hate that advice. When I am given an assignment for a class where the learning objective or outcome is unclear at the surface, I seek it out.
As I was writing about my harmony strength, I ran straight into some questions and struggles I face. A harmonious workplace is great. I should continue making an effort to promote harmony, but I shouldn't let my personal aversion to conflict outweigh the benefits of challenging ideas and engaging in constructive disagreements.