How I Used My Talents at the CliftonStrengths Summit

The CliftonStrengths Summit has come and gone (sad) and we’ll have to wait for June 2019 for the next one. Since it was a strengths summit, I would be remiss if I didn’t reflect on how I used my strengths at the event itself.

That’s the point of strengths anyway—to utilize your strengths to achieve your intended outcomes. Knowing and using your strengths is supposed to be utterly practical.

Here are the ways I used my top five talents at the Summit:

"Responsibility"

Gallup Description: People exceptionally talented in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.

• To make the most of the opportunity that was given to me by my organization—attending the Summit—I created a prep worksheet.
• I offered to give away my book on finding your prayer strengths, and when attendees requested one, I wrote down their name, and looked for them. It was important that I deliver on what I said I would do.
• For my breakout session, I designed a thorough presentation with helpful information, compelling slides, captivating stories, and enjoyable delivery.

Responsibility helped me to do what I said I would do in the manner I wanted to do it.

"Connectedness"

Gallup Description: People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.

• There were 1,500 attendees at the Summit, and despite the large numbers, I felt connected to everyone (even if they didn’t feel connected to me!).
• I had the deep sense that all my previous steps had led me to this moment.
• Since I felt connected to the attendees, I attended as many social gatherings as I could. My normal behavior at large events is to retreat to my hotel room, but this time I didn’t.

Connectedness helped me to feel connected to others and the events that had come before.

"Belief"

Gallup Description: People exceptionally talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives.

• Among all the keynotes, breakouts, and conversations, I listened for the underlying values in each of them.
• My resolute conviction grew even stronger to do my part in advancing the strengths movement, in whatever form my role may take.
• The platforms, content, and tools that folks are developing to help coaches launch clients into strengths, became even more vital in my view.

Belief helped me to zero in on core values and feel more resolute in pursuing them.

"Positivity"

Gallup Description: People especially talented in the Positivity theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

• When technical glitches kicked off my breakout session, I remained light-hearted, energetic, and fun, which rubbed off on the audience.
• Although I got little sleep during the Summit, I felt upbeat and enthusiastic the whole time.
• I looked for ways to encourage and uplift others.
  Positivity helped me to stay enthusiastic, upbeat, and fun despite drawbacks.

"Individualization"

Gallup Description: People exceptionally talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.

• I was able to connect and interact with audience members during my presentation.
• During networking times, I narrowed in on the individual and didn’t get distracted by the masses. I felt energized by meeting new people and understanding what makes them tick.
• I gained a deep appreciation for the different contributions that different members of the strengths community are making in their different ways.

Individualization helped me to narrow in on the individual and celebrate his or her uniqueness among the masses.

I’m so grateful I was given the talents I was given so I could accomplish what was set out for me to do.