How about a strengths-based self-introduction?

“Tell me something about yourself.”

A question almost all of us have faced at some point of time or the other – either in a formal interview or in an informal get together.

What if, you could share something unique about yourself taking a strengths based approach?

There is an activity we strengths-based coaches facilitate for our clients. It’s called Paired Up: Exploring the dynamic power of CliftonStrengths theme pairs.

In this exercise we pair the top 5 signature themes or even the top 10 dominant talent themes from a client’s ClitftonStrengths report and see what comes up as different themes combine together. A document compiled by the late Curt Liesveld helps us do this effectively and efficiently.

Here’s what came up for a client of mine who sought coaching for; among other things, build and articulate her personal brand.

Some of the unique things about her based on her top 10 themes like Responsibility, Arranger, Relator, Adaptability, Individualisation, Ideation, Self-assurance, Futuristic, Learner and Achiever:

·         When I facilitate the work of others, I feel a strong sense of ownership of both the process and the results.

·         The longer I serve customer, or friends, the more I am likely to appreciate them, and the more they are likely to appreciate me.

·         If I had a rose garden, I would tend the roses conscientiously, and I would always take time to smell them as well.

·         I am committed to the integrity of doing and the integrity of being. For me, the right fit involves my values and my identity.

·         Doing the right thing might mean that I must do something brand new. My creativity can enhance my integrity.

·         My orientation to serve others is fortified by the internal trust and confidence I have in my own abilities.

·         I will make a serious commitment to someone today if it will help my vision become a reality tomorrow.

·         I am at my best as a student when I commit to teaching others new information or concepts.

·         I get things done sometimes because it feels so good and sometimes because I promise someone I would.

What does the foregoing aspects of my client’s personality, nature, values and being inspire you to do the next time someone asks you to tell them something about yourself?

For one, at least recruiters would certainly begin to notice your resume with a little bit more of curiosity.

What else comes to your mind in terms of possibilities, ideas, thoughts and opportunities?

By the way, Curt was a Learning and Development Senior Consultant with Gallup and a fantastic teacher of the 34 talent themes in the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment tool. I would like to conclude with tremendous gratitude for Curt with this quote of his:

“It’s hard to aim who you are if you don’t know who you are.”