I view strengths as a versatile set of tools. Each of us has a number of God-given talents that we can use to solve problems and face challenges throughout life. But when half of what we do each day is done of out of habit, we may inadvertently overuse or misuse our most dominant strengths. For example, when an appliance breaks, many people would grab their toolbox and get to work. It is easy to get in the habit of treating every problem like a nail by using a hammer.

Sometimes using a different “tool” is more beneficial. For example, when I retired from the Air Force, I leaned into my Relator strength to schedule regular get-togethers with my closest friends to make up for the close working relationships I no longer had. I also used it along with my Belief strength when launching and developing my business. But when faced with a health challenge earlier this year, I pivoted to my slightly less dominant Learner, Strategic, and Responsibility strengths to research treatment options, prepare questions prior to each medical appointment, advocate for my needs, and make more informed decisions.

In the midst of both of these career transition and health challenges, I personally used my CliftonStrengths® assessment results along with a one-hour coaching conversation with a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach to help me create a personalized action plan that played to my strengths. It was extremely beneficial both times.

As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach myself now, there is nothing I enjoy more than helping people discover their unique strengths and how to apply them in creative and effective ways to address various challenges. If you are interested in a strengths “tune-up,”  contact me at info@crescentseibertcoaching.com to coordinate a free consultation and sign up.