Adaptability and Self-Assurance: Confidently Navigating Change
Some CliftonStrengths pairs, at first glance, may seem mismatched. However, the beauty of these pairings is balance. One such pairing is 'Self-Assurance' and 'Adaptability.' With 'Adaptability' as my second strength and 'Self-Assurance' as my ninth, I have firsthand experience of these two in action. I have an interesting mix of being both rooted in my beliefs and decisions even in the face of external pressures and the ability to change, flex, and flow when the need arises.
A good way to understand how these two talents work together is to look at the relationship between a boat’s oars and its keel. Just as a keel holds a boat together, my 'Self-Assurance' gives me the confidence and conviction to make decisions and stick to them, ensuring stability and direction. In the same way that oars enable a boat to speed up, slow down, change directions, and navigate the tides, my 'Adaptability' allows me to respond to changing conditions, adjusting my course as necessary without compromising my core beliefs and goals. This pairing enables me to flex without conforming and to maintain integrity without becoming too rigid, adapting to changing circumstances without losing sight of my priorities.
Understanding 'Adaptability'
The "Adaptability" talent, bucketed in the Relationship Building domain, describes individuals who can effortlessly adjust their approach based on environmental demands or interpersonal interactions. On its own, "Adaptability" is often fluid, adjusting to fit the changing circumstances much like water molds to its container.
Unpacking 'Self-Assurance'
The "Self-Assurance" talent, found in the Influencing domain, is marked by deep confidence in one's abilities and judgments, making these individuals certain and unwavering in their course, no matter how strong the opposition.
Combining 'Self-Assurance' + 'Adaptability'
When combined, "Self-Assurance" and "Adaptability" foster a drive for change, ensuring a balance between certainty of direction and responsiveness to feedback and situational nuances.
This combination is particularly powerful in contexts such as:
Navigating Change: This combination is crucial for successfully managing transitions and disruptions, enabling a person to confidently guide others through new and uncertain scenarios while readily adjusting strategies as needed.
Driving Innovation: This pairing is well-suited to spearhead innovative projects, as they can steadfastly pursue new ideas while adapting their approach based on feedback and evolving circumstances.
Effective Communication: This pairing facilitates effective communication in diverse environments, allowing individuals to confidently express ideas and adapt their messaging to resonate with different audiences or in response to dynamic interaction cues.
Explore Your Strengths
Curious to see if "Self-Assurance" or "Adaptability" are in you or your team’s top talents? Taking the CliftonStrengths assessment can help you discover them. Whether you choose the full 34-theme option or the top 5, understanding your strengths is the first step towards using them effectively.
Discover your top talents with the CliftonStrengths assessment:
Click >> here to get your CliftonStrengths Top 5 Report Code
Click >> here to get your CliftonStrengths Full 34 Report Code
By knowing and using our strengths, such as "Self-Assurance" and "Adaptability," you can achieve more, whether working alone or as part of a team. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also brings your team closer to reaching its goals. Find out your strengths and start making the most of them today!
