Strategic + Activator: Great Plans In Action
Some CliftonStrengths pairs stand out because they work really well together. One such powerful pair is "Strategic" and "Activator". With my own experience of having "Activator" as my top strength and "Strategic" as my sixth, I've seen up close how these two can really make things happen.
You know those scenes from The Bourne Identity or Mission Impossible where Jason or Ethan are racing through the narrow backstreets of some quaint European town, driving down staircases and leaping over buildings when their chosen route turns out to be a dead end? That’s exactly how I feel when I'm struck with a great idea. My "Strategic" talent swiftly identifies the optimal route from the idea to its realization and is quick to pivot to an alternate path if the initial one is blocked. Meanwhile, my "Activator" ensures my foot remains firmly on the gas pedal. This powerful combination facilitates a seamless transition from contemplation to action.
Unpacking “Activator”
"Activator" is a talent in the Influencing talent domain and describes a person who is all about getting projects and people started. At a pool party, someone with high “Activator” is most likely to be the first one to jump in and then encourage everyone else to join. If you love kicking off new projects and you have a knack for motivating others to get moving too, then “Activator” might be one of your top strengths.
Understanding “Strategic”
On the other side, "Strategic" is a talent in the Strategic Planning talent domain and describes someone who naturally sees the best way forward. A person with "Strategic" talent in their top 10 is the one who, after everyone has been sitting around trying to come up with a plan for hours, can walk in and come up with a simple yet brilliant way forward out of seemingly nowhere. If you’re good at spotting the easiest and most effective path to take, you might be high in "Strategic".
Combining “Strategic” + “Activator”
When you mix "Strategic" and "Activator", whether in one person or across a team, you get the best of both worlds: great planning and quick action. "Strategic" can focus "Activator"'s intensity and "Activator" can fuel "Strategic's" plan. This combo helps turn ideas into reality quickly and efficiently.
This combination is particularly powerful at:
Rapid Decision-Making: The combination of Activator and Strategic talents are often excellent at making quick decisions. They can swiftly analyze a situation, envision potential outcomes, and choose the best course of action. Their combined ability to see the big picture and simultaneously act on it allows them to navigate complex scenarios effectively and decisively.
Crisis Management: Their unique combination of foreseeing challenges and initiating immediate responses makes them adept at crisis management. They can quickly assess what needs to be done in a crisis, develop a plan that navigates through or around the crisis, and take decisive steps to implement that plan. This partnering is particularly valuable in high-stakes environments where rapid, strategic responses are crucial.
Project Kick-Starting and Pivoting: A person or a partnership with these strengths are particularly good at getting projects off the ground. They can outline a strategic approach and immediately start the implementation process. Moreover, if initial plans need adjustment, their strategic foresight coupled with their readiness to act allows them to pivot efficiently without losing momentum. This makes this pairing invaluable in roles or projects that require dynamic leadership and flexibility.
Explore Your Strengths
Curious to see if "Strategic" or "Activator" 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 "Strategic" and "Activator", 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!
