Your Responsibility Talent: Holding All Accountable
"The time is always right to do what is right." - Martin Luther King Jr.
"Responsibility" is my fifth talent, and we have a somewhat complicated relationship. Talents often look one way on the outside but feel very different on the inside. People see me as dependable, reliable, loyal, and true to my word. If we set an appointment, I will be bang on time. If I say I’m going to do something, I will do it, even if it’s hard. Additionally, if anyone around me is doing something morally wrong, I will do something about it.
Inside, my "Responsibility" talent feels heavy. My mind is always carrying the promises I’ve made—both spoken and unspoken—and is highly sensitive to others' behavior and integrity. Others’ bad behavior and forgotten commitments weigh on me, and I tend to take them on as my own. Therefore, I have to choose partners and requests carefully. This is why I’ve learned the slow “yes” and carefully evaluate people before making any promises. This helps keep my talent in balance.
The “Responsibility” talent, part of the CliftonStrengths Executing domain, describes people who hold themselves and others accountable and take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They don’t need external motivation to complete tasks or honor commitments. They have a strong moral compass and act quickly when they see wrongdoing, often feeling a personal obligation to uphold ethical standards. Their consistent behavior makes them predictable, which can be reassuring to those who rely on them. They create a sense of stability in their environments.
If “Responsibility” is one of your top talents, you are accountable, trustworthy, and conscientious. You are often seen as a supportive team member who is willing to help others and take on additional responsibilities to ensure the success of the group. Whether seen or unseen, you work diligently because it’s the right thing to do and someone is relying on you. You not only hold yourself to high moral and quality standards but also expect the same level of commitment and integrity from others, often inspiring those around you to perform better.
Similarities and Differences With Other Talents
Understanding the “Responsibility” talent means recognizing how it stands apart from and aligns with other talents:
"Responsibility" and "Deliberative": Both want to the right thing. "Responsibility" cares if it’s ethically right, while "Deliberative" cares if the right method was used.
"Responsibility" and "Restorative": Both focus on fixing and restoring. "Responsibility" fixes what is morally wrong, restoring integrity. "Restorative" fixes what is broken, restoring function.
Leverage The “Responsibility” Talent
Lead with “Responsibility”: Take more ownership than you think you're ready for or than your credentials perhaps suggest. Your natural awareness of what it takes to do something right and with integrity might make you hesitant to say 'yes,' but you thrive on owning and caring for things. Taking on bigger tasks will inspire you to grow, and you can manage these situations better than others.
Work with “Responsibility”: Ensure your natural tendency to take ownership of every project doesn’t keep you from sharing responsibility with other team members. Allow others the opportunity to experience the challenges of ownership. This will help you avoid overcommitting and contribute to their growth and development.
Live with “Responsibility”: It's important for you to deliver on your commitments, so make sure you have clear and concrete expectations from others. This ensures there are no questions about quality outcomes and helps you meet your promises. Get comfortable with saying 'no' or taking your time before saying 'yes' to new requests to avoid overcommitting in the wrong places.
Coach Someone with “Responsibility”: Start and end appointments on time and keep your word—this will matter to them. Help them strengthen this talent by guiding them to better understand their commitments. Assist them in knowing where to allocate their time and how to redirect requests that are not the best use of their talent. You will not have to check up on them; just ask them to make a commitment and inform someone they made it, and it’s as good as done.
Discover the Strength of Your “Responsibility” Talent
Find out if “Responsibility” is one of your dominant talents with CliftonStrengths 34 or CliftonStrengths Top 5, gaining personalized insights and strategies to maximize your potential.
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