My top five strengths work in almost everything I do every day. They are, after all my most dominant themes of Strength. In this series, I’ve written about “Maximizer” in the first post, and my last and least strength, “Adaptability” in the second post. In that post I mentioned how my #2 strength, “Activator” partners well with my peeps who have high “Adaptability” by helping them move to action.

So without further ado, because I know you’re on the edge of your seat and you can’t stand it any longer, let’s dive into the “Activator” theme! 🙂

Gallup describes Activator this way: “Guided by your Activator theme, you believe that action is the best device for learning. You make a decision, you take action, you look at the result, and you learn. This learning informs your next action and your next. How can you grow if you have nothing to react to?…Action doesn’t frighten you, it pleases you.”

The “Activator” theme plays a major role in all aspects of my life. This theme really balances my need to think through all possible options by manifesting my thoughts into action. It’s kinda like having a microphone put in your face…you just have to do something…you can’t stand there with nothing to say. Even if it’s wrong, you must act!

Before I truly understood and harnessed the power of this theme, it lived mostly in the basement in the form of impatience with others indecision, or jumping to action too quickly in my own decisions. As I have sharpened this talent into a valuable strength, it has become a superpower that influences my work and the people in my life and business to be far more productive.

The “Activator” theme often causes a person to be impatient, but when it is honed into a strength, it becomes a superpower. This strength is so powerful, it can influence a room to move to action all at once! When timing is embraced, it enables activators pick to the perfect moment to step in and create momentum for the entire team.

Appreciating Activators

I worked on a project a year ago alongside another client with “Activator” in her top five. Observing her strength and how it brought great success to the event we had planned and delivered, gave me a new appreciation for this strength. People with high “Activator” intuitively know the pulse of the room and are able to quickly adjust to deliver just what is needed at just the right time.

Her timing touched hearts and brought the room to life with enthusiasm as she knew exactly what to do and what not to do at the perfect moment to make the most memorable impact.

Now as an “Activator,” I thrive when delivering a message to a crowd, or coaching an individual client. I innately know and trust the perfect moment will present itself to move the discussion to action. I wait patiently for the sign to move the client forward to action. That’s what makes me such a great coach.

“Activator” theme waits for the perfect timing to influence others to choose and act.

Stay tuned for next week’s strength of “Strategic,” and learn how it brings dynamic power to your team!