Self-Assurance: An Inner Compass

As of this writing, I have covered 22 of the 34 StrengthsFinder Talent Themes through this "Strengths Zone" blog.  Check them all out in the archives.  The Achiever (#5) in me has vowed to cover all 34 by the end of this year.  By my calculations, I have 16 weeks and 12 more themes to go.  I've got this!

Having faith in my ability to reach the goal and deliver before the deadline illustrates the StrengthsFinder Talent Theme Self-Assurance.  This often rare Talent Theme rounds out my Dominant Themes at #10.

People with Self-Assurance have confidence not only in their abilities, but also in their judgment.  They have an inner sense of certainty that affirms their direction and decisions.  Leaders with Self-Assurance instill confidence in others by demonstrating initiative in the midst of uncertainty.

My blog-writing ritual is rather simple.  First I pick a Talent Theme to bring to life.  I had settled on Self-Assurance late last week as it was the last of my own Top 10 Talent Themes that I had not profiled.  Then, I exercise my #2 Talent Theme, Ideation, to spin a relevant tale.

The hero of my Self-Assurance story hobbled onto the hallowed grounds of Lambeau Field in the second half of the Packers-Bears game last Sunday and lifted his team out of a 17 point half-time deficit to win the game.  Aaron Rodgers left the game with a knee injury at the beginning of the game, but was determined to come back and win it (definitely some Achiever and Adaptability here as well). 

Self-Assurance lends an aura of certainty.  People with this talent are able - able to take risks, meet new challenges, stake claims and make things happen.  I am sure that many Packer fans - and Bears fans for that matter - had a sense that Aaron Rodgers could turn the game around just by being on the field.  Leveraging Self-Assurance, Aaron Rogers demonstrated confidence in his abilities and his judgment.

As a strength, Self-Assurance instills an inner compass that provides confidence in decision making and the ability to manage all that life - or Bears - throw at them.

Here are some suggestions when working with people with Self-Assurance;

* Help people with Self-Assurance explore opportunities where they can take a leadership role with a group or committee and inspire them with comments like "You can make it happen".

* People with Self-Assurance thrive when working in uncharted territory - new programs or start-ups.  They are at their best when they are asked to make many decisions.

* People with Self-Assurance should resist going it alone and relying on their "gut" and should instead deliberately reach out and include others in decision making.  This will also deter people from labeling this person as "cocky".

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.