Gallup CliftonStrengths® is an assessment of personality, rooted in the theory of positive psychology. Research indicates that people who know and use their strengths every day are more likely to experience positive emotions (energy, happiness, respect) and less likely to experience negative emotions (stress, worry, anger, sadness). The assessment identifies an individual’s top five “Signature Themes” from a list of 34 common talents. Individuals can then develop those talents into strengths, and apply those strengths in all areas of their life.
Overview of Communication® Theme
People who shine with the Gallup Communication® strength are people who like to explain, describe, speak in public, or write. They are highly effective hosts and always on the hunt for the perfect phrases and most powerful word combinations. They make the world listen.
The Communication® strength isn’t only about getting people to pay attention to your words, though. It is also about listening to what others have to say to you. Whether the word is printed or spoken, people with the Communication® strength thrive when you’re able to connect with people through words and live to hear the phrase, “Tell me all about it.”
You have a hard time controlling your urge to speak and are impatient with those who need time to formulate their thoughts into words when you excel in the Communication® strength. The worst thing for you is to be isolated and alone. You thrive in the presence of others, where you can give words to your story.
Action Items for the Communication® Strength
People who have the Communication® strength according to CliftonStrengths® are best suited for jobs and roles where they are able to capture people’s attention and tell people stories.
Take the time to refine your craft. Don’t get overconfident and fail to prepare simply because you have a way with words.
Look for jobs where you are paid to capture the attention of others.
Listen to your audience and look for visual cues and responses to see what’s working best when making presentations and refine accordingly.
Volunteer for professional opportunities that allow you to build on your skills as a presenter.
Build your personal brand as someone who captivates audiences.
Don’t overlook your own value or the value of your role within your organization. You have a talent many people would love to harness.
Ideal careers for people with the Communication® strength include: Clergy/Ministry, Teachers, Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Media/journalism, Politics, Actors, Spokespeople.
If you are unable to have your needs met in the workplace, consider volunteering with local acting groups, as a library storyteller, or even doing slam poetry performances at local coffee houses.
How To Manage Someone with Communication® Theme
Working with someone who has exceptional Communication® strengths can be challenging for some managers. However, it is something every manager hopes to do at some point in their career. Why? Because these are the people who can make things happen for your organization simply through the gift of gab. You just need to fine tune that gift to work for the forces of good within your organization. These tips on how to manage an employee with the Communication® strength will help:
Give your Communication® talented employee an opportunity to shine at social gatherings, client dinners, and any event where entertaining potential clients is essential.
Allow them to tell their stories – even if you’ve heard them before. The telling brings them joy and strengthens the culture of your entire organization.
Ask them to tell stories about your organization to entertain clients and prospects.
Seek input about social events your organization is planning. They are likely to have outstanding ideas for messages, entertainment, etc.
Pair employees who have the Communication® strength with employees who do not share this strength to help them create more compelling presentations.
Help these employees strengthen their communications and public speaking skills but make sure you send them to classes that teach more advanced concepts for maximum effect.
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Gallup®, Clifton StrengthsFinder®, StrengthsFinder®, CliftonStrengths® and each of the 34 CliftonStrengths® theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. For more information, or to take the CliftonStrengths® assessment, visit www.gallupstrengthscenter.com.
