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 Developer® Strength
American businessman, and the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Harvey Firestone once said: ”The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” Individuals with Developer® Gallup CliftonStrengths® believe in this wholeheartedly.
People with the Developer® strength affirm that everyone has potential and can grow and thrive. More importantly, part of their strength is helping people identify their potential for growth and encouraging them to do just that. Developers® also see even the slightest growth in others and encourage further growth.
One of the beautiful things about Developers® is that they are excited to see growth in others. They believe everyone is a work in progress and that we, as humans, are never fully developed.
If you are someone who has the Developer® strength, you are constantly encouraging others, cheering them on, and helping them grow. You are fueled and energized by the growth you see in others.
Your strength often draws people to you who need guidance and encouragement, because they know you are genuine in your desire to help them grow and receive fulfillment from helping them to develop their strengths.
Action Items for Developer® Theme
Because people who have the Developer® strength are fueled by identifying the potential in other people and helping them grow and achieve more, there are certain actions you will find more fulfilling and focused.
Keep these things in mind in your career and in your life.
Look for careers that allow you to mentor, or foster growth in, others.
Acknowledge the growth you see in others. Be specific in the growth you observed.
Make a list of people you’ve helped to learn and grow over the years. Revisit this list to remind yourself of the effect you’re having on the people in your world.
Apply your strength to yourself. Identify your own potential and small changes you can make to develop your own strengths based on your unique gift.
Create a list of people who have recognized the potential in you over the years and visit them to say, “Thank you.”
Ideal careers for people with the Developer® strength involve helping others recognize their potential. They include athletic coaches, career coaches, teachers, trainers, counselors, leaders.
The key is to find a career that allows you to help others grow and develop so they can find greater success in life. These are the roles that will make you happiest.
How to Manage Someone with Developer® Theme
Managing someone with the Developer® strength doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, people with Developer® strengths can help you see growth in other team members you may have missed. This helps you do your job more effectively. Things to remember when managing Developers® include the following:
Positioning them to allow them to help others grow. Make them mentors, allow them to teach classes, or put them in customer service positions.
Giving them the task of recognizing achievement in others and offering the appropriate praise and rewards for that achievement.
Considering them for supervisory, leadership, and management roles within your organization.
Acknowledging their contribution to your organization. Praise them for recognizing the potential in others.
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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.
