A Charismatic Geek
After my grandson, Chris, took his Strength Finder profile,
we analyzed how his talents played out in his life and a
perfect example emerged.
During his freshman year at college, he was interested
in why the U.S. was involved in Iraq. In his quest for answers,
he discovered that a professor on campus was one of the
foremost authorities on the subject. He asked the professor
to meet with a small group of students to answer their questions.
The professor declined because of a looming deadline on
his new book on Iraq.
Because Chris continued to find more and more students
who were as hungry for answers as he was, he mapped out
a strategy to have a Forum on campus. He went back to the
professor and challenged his priorities by letting him know
how many students wanted to hear his input and wisdom. Once
the professor agreed, Chris reserved a hall on campus and
recruited others to e-mail and hand out fliers. Instead
of a handful of students the University expected, hundreds
showed up and dozens had to be turned away because of the
fire code ordinances.
Chris facilitated the Forum as the professor answered question
after question. Another one of Chris's professors said afterwards
that it was amazing that a freshman had put together such
a valuable and successful event.
Chris's strengths are ideation (the love of ideas), input
(the need for information), strategy (the ability to sort
through the clutter and find the best route), activation
(the impatience for action) and woo (the ability to win
people over). A charismatic geek in all his glory!
Now, Discover
your Strengths by Buckingham and Clifton
Life Upgrade Tip
Have you clearly identified your strengths?
Do you have an example of when all your talents
were used to the highest and best level?
How can you re-create that model regularly
in your life?
What would your impact in the world be if
you did?
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