The Strengths Zone

On March 4th of this year, this StrengthsFinder inspired blog series "marched forth" on a quest to summarize each of the Clifton StrengthsFinder Talent Themes in the form of stories and real life examples.  Through 40 postings to date, I have been able to learn and appreciate each of the strengths, while exercising my own Signature Themes of Ideation (#2), Positivity (#4) and Achiever (#5). My Futuristic talent (#3) came into play several months ago as I thought about this last post of "season one" of The Strengths Zone .  The combination of timing (the holidays) and reason (the alphabet) helped me land on Woo - winning others over . To describe Woo in the workplace, I offer the stories of two amazing peers whom I have the pleasure of working with.  One leverages Woo to influence others internally while the other leverages this powerful strength to influence others externally . My peer Eric is the Sr. Director of Content Engagement.  Currently, he is the

According to Gallup, 70% of human behavior is based on emotion and not reason.  I have read that up to 95% of retail purchases are based on emotion and that each one of us has over 400 emotional "experiences" every day.  Given the value of knowing the emotional intelligence of ourselves and others, wouldn't it be great to invent some sort of monitoring system to instantly detect feelings, emotions and moods? I'm pretty sure that when the "Mood Ring" was introduced in 1975, it's makers were not seeking the higher purpose of improved global empathy.  They wanted to make a buck with their "biofeedback aids".  Mood Rings were a fad from my childhood, joined by "Pet Rocks", polyurethane skateboard wheels and "Pong".  The liquid crystal "stone" would measure body temperature and designate a color for everything from anxiety to joy.  In the first 3 months of production, mood rings enjoyed over one-million dollars

Most people in Sales know that leading with factual statements about products is not what entices a purchase.  Consumers are searching for the sizzle of "what's in it for me" and how the product or service can add value to their lives.  Features are factual statements.  In my world, features include "3 Amazing Theme Parks", "Over 40 Rides, Shows & Attractions" and "6 Uniquely Themed Hotels". Looking at it through the lens of Benefits ("what's in it for me"), I'd describe my world as "A complete vacation destination where every member of the family will have the time of their life.  A place where you can be bold, let loose and connect while being your real selves" .  Now that sizzles!  We are familiar with the features and benefits of products, but how about ourselves?  At work, your peers are likely aware of what you do but less likely with the benefits you distinctly provide.  Just like selling be