Strategic: Dream Job

If you are moving in North Jersey, you might check out Dan the Moving Man - no relation! 

So what's your dream job?  Near the top of my list would be to own and operate a Moving Company.  "Dan The Moving Man" Inc. has a ring to it - don't you think?!.  I have always enjoyed the process of moving.  Over the past 30 years, I have moved into four different houses and have coordinated the moves of my kids in and out of countless dorms and apartments.  I love the tangible beginning and end to moving and the feeling of accomplishment when all is unpacked and put away (Achiever #5).  I love the effort, the organizing, the sweat and the aches and pains that come with a hard days work.

When I think of every chore I have ever done for my family, moving mastery has garnished the greatest praise from the peanut gallery (followed closely by travel planning and interior painting).  So what moves me to moving?  It is the StrengthsFinder Talent Theme Strategic. 

Strategic is my #1 Talent Theme and ranks as #5 in most frequency globally.  I have already posted about my other Top 5 themes including Ideation, Futuristc, Positivity and Achiever.  To be honest, I struggled with this one.  The others are so well-contained while Strategic seems hard to corral.  That's ironic, as one of the behaviors that people with Strategic possess is the ability to sort through the clutter and see patterns where others only see complexity.

Sometimes, when we struggle with identifying with one of our Talent Themes, it is because we think the whole world thinks this way.  Who doesn't look at a room full of clutter and instantly know how to sort and pack it efficiently? This, of course, is not the case as everyone's talents and talent combinations are unique.

As a Talent Theme, Strategic at it's core is an unteachable and distinct way of thinking.  People with strong Strategic talents have the ability to sort through the clutter and find the best route.  They see patterns which lead them to envision alternatives - frequently asking "What if this happened"?  They see a way when others assume there is no way.

When you consider your dream job, look closely as you will likely find all of your Top 5 Talent Themes contributing to your vision.  For me, "Dan the Moving Man" Inc. taps into logistics (#1 Strategic), creative packing (#2 Ideation), vision of the new home (#3 Futuristic), happy customers (#4 Positivity) and a job well-done (#5 Achiever).

 No, I am not going out to start a moving company.  I have plenty of moving parts to manage in my current "dream job".  I would encourage you to think about things you enjoy doing and are naturally good at.  Then, think about a job or profession where you could do these things every day - don't even consider the salary - just the joy of doing what you love.  When you settle on the position, then look at your Top 5 StrengthsFinder Talent Themes and layer them over the "dream job".  Doing this can bring you greater clarity on how important it really is to weave your talents into your job for satisfaction and fulfillment and should inspire you to blaze a path to create your "dream job" out of the one you already have.

When you are working with someone with Strong Strategic talents, help them find the best route forward as follows;  

* People with Strategic should devote some "quiet time" each day to consider current goals and strategies.  This time away from the action will help them think through the options and find the best course.

* Encourage them to volunteer in the community with a group that does important work.  They can provide value with Strategic thinking and be a leader with their ideas.  

* Help them sort through all possibilities and find the best way forward.  They should ask themselves "if this happened, what should I expect?"..."if that happened, what should I expect?".  




Dan is currently serving 20 years to life as the Sr. Director of Destination Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort.  He prefers white-water rapids over data lakes and lists Ideation, Futuristic and Positivity amongst his signature talents.    




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