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 the Command® Strength
When Jack Nicholson said, “You can’t handle the truth!” he certainly wasn’t talking to you. Life can deliver sticky situations, but the best way to handle them is to take a stand and look at all the facts. Other people may need a little bit of a nudge in that regard, and you’re happy to provide it. When you’re in the room, people know it. You’re ready and willing to lead, even – and maybe especially – if it means taking risks.
Action Items for the Command® Strength
Choose the right job. Look for a career that allows you ample leadership opportunities, whether it’s managing a group or running a project. You’re at your best when you have the autonomy and trust to make your own decisions. Avoid positions where you’re simply executing rote tasks and have no promotional pathway to leadership advancement.
Pick the right partners. Because you’re so decisive and have such a strong presence, other teammates may be quieter around you or reluctant to offer their opinions. Partner with someone with a strong Empathy® or Woo® theme. They’re more likely to consider the feelings of others and can help you improve both your work and relationships.
Watch your words. You’ll likely develop a reputation as someone that embraces confrontation. That’s not always a bad thing, but make sure you’re harnessing that power effectively. Take note of what you’re saying, as well as your tone, and see what works best when persuading others. Choose leadership language that’s collaborative and constructive rather than demeaning or argumentative.
Find passion projects. You’re passionate in your beliefs, so put that this fervor to good use outside of the office, as well. Join a cause with deep meaning to you – ending animal abuse or improving school funding, for example – and fight to improve the situation. Your persuasive style could change the world for the better.
How to Manage Someone with the Command® Strength
Have you ever simply felt it when someone entered a room? They have a special aura about them; they demand respect and will give things to you straight. That’s Command®. They’re not afraid to lead, and they’re not scared of conflict. Their personality can seem overbearing to their more introspective team members, who may feel reluctant to share their ideas. To avoid any potential messes, keep the three things below in mind.
Get their feedback. Dealing with internal team issues? Ask Command® for advice. They won’t hold anything back and will give you an honest response, even if it’s not what you want to hear. You can also seek their input on especially important projects or presentations to learn what to tweak to improve.
Let them own new processes. Are you doing something for the first time? Perhaps you’re running an event for a client or showing a new demo for customers. Let Command® take control – they’ll thrive under the pressure and steer the ship the right way.
Address issues directly. Command® loves to give feedback without pulling any punches, and they can take criticism just as well as they dish it out. Be frank when there’s a problem and offer concrete examples, like missing a deadline or not fully fleshing out a project. Command® will take the feedback in stride and correct those mistakes moving forward.
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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.
