At Fx5 Journey we use the term Fruitfulness when we want to talk about productivity. Why? Because most of us don't want to just do things, to simply be able to check the box, cross something off the list, or be mindlessly busy. I'm guessing even those of you with Achiever in your dominant strengths likely want the items on your list to be something relevant! Knowing your CliftonStrengths rank ordered index of talent and how to use it equips you with the tools that lead you to your highest level of meaningful productivity.
Our talent themes feed into what motivates and energizes us. The more we learn what we are naturally good at and invest in those naturally occurring thoughts, feelings and behaviors, the more fruitful we can become as the motivation, energy and repeat success become re-invested dividends in our productivity. With the likelihood of 1 in 33.4 million that two people have the same Signature (top 5) talent themes in the same order -- never mind the full 34 sequence -- that means that those motivators and energizers are unique to you.
Consider CliftonStrengths five clues to talent:
- Yearning for a task, activity, or assignment is a sign of talent. Ask yourself, what kinds of activities am I naturally drawn to? When we're thinking about the work we do it helpful to consider what tasks and projects you pick up first and what task or project fall to the back burner.
- Rapid learning is another clue to talent. think about what kinds of things you pick up quickly.
- When was the last time you experienced flow? Wikipedia describes flow, also known as the 'zone', as the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. Flow is a clear clue to where our natural talents lie.
- Sometimes when we're focused on a project, task or activity, everything just falls into place. In the CliftonStrengths framework thee scenarios are referred to as "glimpses of excellence." Glimpses of excellence point to your talents.
- Satisfaction with a job well done is itself a clue to talent. When is the last time you felt satisfied, proud, accomplished, gratified or even talented? Think about what you were doing that lead to those feelings -- they are a clue to talent!