Gallup Strengths - COVID Edition
April 16, 2020
A few weeks ago, I decided to look back at my Gallup Strengths. Most of you have probably gone through this reflection activity at an annual meeting, retreat, or other workplace initiative. In short, you complete assessments on knowledge and skills to determine your five most dominant themes of talent. I’ve completed this twice. Once about eight years ago, and then again almost two years ago. My signature themes include, in order: 1) Strategic, 2) Discipline, 3) Consistency, 4) Relator, and 5) Futuristic. I don’t know what it was a few weeks ago that prompted me to look back at my report. Like all of us, I’ve been struggling with this “disruption” from COVID-19. While I’m used to working from home, and have done so for 3+ years, the shift with everything else has left me really unsettled. When I reviewed my strengths and reflected, I felt validated in my struggle. Here’s where I start analyzing and finding therapy in writing. This is also where you’re free to stop reading…
Strategic.
I take SO much pride in this theme. It’s my differentiator, professionally. Maybe personally, too. This is the “ability to sort through the clutter and find the best route.” I am absolutely wired this way, which makes sense since it’s a strength that cannot be taught. Basically, you are or you aren’t strategic. I don’t waste my time or yours. I find the path that works for all, and I move it forward. COVID perspective? I am SO eager to keep that path forward, that with these unknowns, I find myself strategizing in circles. The what-ifs outweigh the paths.
Discipline.
My world needs to be predictable. I “instinctively impose structure, set up routines, and focus on timelines and deadlines.” This theme validates my controlling behaviors. At least that’s what I tell myself. Thanks for nothing, COVID. I can meal-plan, schedule workouts, and keep a daily work and school schedule until the cows come home, but the reality is nothing is predictable right now. Summer concerts? Probably not. Travel baseball season for my 11-year old? Maybe in the fall. Consistent and rewarding work to do? Hard to say.
Consistency.
This ties so closely to Discipline as a theme. “…you believe that people function best in a consistent environment where the rules are clear and are applied to everyone equally. This is an environment where people know what is expected. It is predictable and evenhanded. It is fair.” This has probably been my most disrupted strength. While schedules can be set, the discrepancies we see in every area of our lives right now are so off balance. From finances, to food inequity, to honoring what’s required to minimize global infection, the inconsistency is staggering.
Relator.
I’m “pulled toward people I know and am comfortable with.” I’ve always said, I’d “rather have four quarters, than a hundred pennies” when it comes to friends. As an introvert, I’ve been able to stay closely connected with my people these last couple months. With Facetime, Zoom, and other virtual interactions, this time has reinforced those genuine and authentic relationships, personally and professionally. No surprises, here. Strong relationships stand the test of time…and COVID.
Futuristic.
As a child and young adult, I was regularly told to slow down. I struggle with living in the moment, as I am too often looking to the horizon. While Gallup touts this as my strength, it’s also a downfall. I do “wish away time” so we can get to what’s next. Now, more than ever. But being futuristic also energizes me. I’m confident that what’s next will be better. Hope matters, and I’m not willing to let it go.
These are my musings. Take them for what you want. I won’t be learning a foreign language during this quarantine, and my three kids can assure you that I’m a terrible substitute teacher. I look forward to what’s next; with full knowledge that it will be different than what was past and what is present. In the meantime, I’ll keep setting schedules that change daily. I’ll keep planning home-cooked meals that turn to carryout. And adjusting my workload as my workload adjusts. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be looking to the horizon and hoping it gets here soon.
