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 Positivity® Strength
There is power in positivity. People with the Positivity® strength according to CliftonStrengths® themes believe this to their core. If you are strong in this theme, your favorite quote may very well be the one by Shiv Khera that says, “Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.”
Even if it’s not, you do believe it is a thought to live by. More importantly, you are generous in sharing your positive take on life and others with quick praise, a warm smile, and your own “bright side” take on life.
There's a book from authors Dennis and Wendy Mannering titled: “Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?” People with the Positivity® talent view the world from a different lens than many of us. By doing this, they make the world around them a better place offering incredible enthusiasm, energy, and optimism that extends to others around them.
They tend to celebrate every accomplishment their team achieves collectively and individually. They can make work feel more enjoyable for everyone, even when there are setbacks. When these setbacks do occur, you view them as opportunities, rather than failures.
Action Items for the Positivity® Strength
If you are someone who looks at life through rose-colored glasses, look for roles that pay you to find ways to highlight the positive. These are roles in which you will excel. Keep the following things in mind as you find your place in your profession and the world:
Lift others up when they’re feeling down. Over time they will begin to turn to you for the morale boosts they need to get through big projects or various other disappointments.
Work with others during “up” times too. Help them maintain their motivation.
Feed your own positivity as needed so you can help others remain positive.
Tailor recognition you offer to others according to their individual needs.
Avoid getting caught up in negative and never allow yourself to become surrounded by negative people.
Teach others that enthusiasm and naivety are not synonymous. You understand that bad things happen, you simply prefer to focus on the positive things that happen.
Ideal careers for people with the Positivity strength include: Teaching, Hostessing, Event planning, Sales, Leadership, Entrepreneurs, Coaching, Management, Advertising.
Each of these career choices can help you motivate others by sharing your positive energy with them and encouraging them in their pursuits.
How to Manage Someone with the Positivity® Strength
Because people with the Positivity® strength have an innate talent for energizing any room they are in, it’s a good idea to have them in customer-facing roles as often as possible.
You might want to consider these things as well, if you’re managing someone with the Positivity® strength:
Encourage them to plan organizational events, product launches, etc. They have a rare talent for these types of tasks.
Celebrate their accomplishments and ask for advice on how to arrange celebrations for milestones and achievements within your organization.
Use their enthusiasm to energize projects or teams that need a bit of a spark.
Keep their roles fun when possible.
While they are beneficial for occasionally lifting spirits and boosting performance for negative employees (or those who are going through rough patches), surround them with positive people and upbeat energy whenever possible to fuel their passions.
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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.
