Discovering My Strengths (5) - Analytical

My analytical theme challenges other people. "Prove it. Show me why what you are claiming is true." In the face of this kind of questioning some will find that their brilliant theories wither and die. For me, this is precisely the point. I do not necessarily want to destroy other people's ideas, but I do insist that their theories be sound. I see myself as objective and dispassionate. I like data because they are value free. They have no agenda. Armed with these data, I search for patterns and connections.

I want to understand how certain patterns affect one another. How do they combine? What is their outcome? Does this outcome fit with the theory being offered or the situation being confronted? These are my questions. I peel the layers back until, gradually, the root cause or causes are revealed. Others see me as logical and rigorous. Over time they will come to me to expose someone's "wishful thinking" or "clumsy thinking" to my refining mind. It is hoped that my analysis is never delivered too harshly. Otherwise, others may avoid me when that "wishful thinking" is their own.

Once again, I find myself not entirely excited about this strength. Particularly because it's true. It does sound like I'm a kill-joy. I know that there are times when my analytical mind is useful. Making purchases. Making business decisions. Hiking. Sports. These situations that require little emotional connection and very often have a "right" or "wrong" decision. "Hm, if I decide to pass the ball to this team mate while he is being guarded by that defender, then our probability of scoring increases." I know that is a crappy example, but my mind works like that. I analyze everything. Our entire day is illustrated by thousands of individual decisions. "Regular or decaf?", "TV or book?", "Facebook or Espn.com?"

But when it comes to people, I have got to find a way to make this strength stand out without it causing harm. People don't always make the "right" decisions. People don't always think logically. Our minds and actions are not theories that are sound or unsound. I have found that often times this strength of mine can cause more harm than good if I am not careful.

Discovering My Strengths (4) - Command

Command leads me to take charge. Unlike some people, I feel no discomfort with imposing my views on others. On the contrary, once my opinion is formed, I need to share it with others. Once my goal is set, I feel restless until I have aligned others with me. I am not frightened by confrontation; rather, I know that confrontation is the first step toward resolution. Whereas others may avoid facing up to life's unpleasantness, I feel compelled to present the facts or the truth, no matter how unpleasant it may be. I need things to be clear between people and challenge them to be clear-eyed and honest.

I push others to take risks. I may even intimidate them. And while some may resent this, labeling me opinionated, they often willingly hand me the reins. People are drawn toward those who take a stance and ask them to move in a certain direction. Therefore, people will be drawn to me. I have presence. I have command.

So, I've read this definition of "Command" about 4 or 5 times, and it still sounds snotty. I sound like a know-it-all control freak, and yet, the book I read said that this is one of my talents- #4 out of 34 possible talents I could have. But the tricky thing is that I really need to learn how to control this talent.

Either one of my former room mates could tell you that I love to get things out in the open and discuss things (chores, lawn care, religious discussions :) ). I was discussing with one of my employees today the perception people have of me at work. I've known for some time that there are those at work who I lead who feel as though I am heartless, mean, or cold. Obviously nobody wants to be known as a bad person, but what can you do? Those who have worked with me the longest just know that at work, I'm a focused guy with high expectations and socialization comes second to getting the job done. They don't see me as a bad person.

So my challenge with this talent, is applying knowledge and skills to it to where it can develop into one of my strengths. Ideally, I suppose I would want people to see me the way I think & feel - "Michael has high goals & expectations, and a personal pursuit of excellence in his performance."