“That guy at the studio isn’t registered to vote in the primary — can you believe that? He refuses to declare he’s a Republican or Democrat just to vote. He’s an Independent all the way, but to give up the right to vote? I don’t get it!”
“I hate Standardized Tests! They are ridiculously unfair! Why should they pigeonhole those kids? Don’t they know they’re all different?”
“Shopping with my Aunt Martha is exhausting. She is picky, picky, picky! She has to search a dozen stores just to find the perfect gift for the kids on her list. What a waste of time! Why can’t she just give them all gift cards? They just want the cash, anyway.”
Like a fingerprint, Individualization sees uniqueness in all.
Strengths: No Generalizations
Is there someone in your home or at work who can’t stand generalizations and broad, sweeping statements? Stereotypes are like fingernails scraping down an old-fashioned chalk board. If you say to them something like, “All little girls love to play with dolls!” they will be quick to correct you and let you know that ALL little girls do NOT play with dolls. Some of them play with cars. And that is the end of that.
They may be ones to refuse to register a political affiliation, lest they check the box that puts them in one ideological camp or another. You probably won’t find them in some exclusive golf club, either. They abhor labels of any kind. They hate the status quo and will buck any rule or regulation that doesn’t make exceptions.
You may have bumped into someone with the StrengthsFinder talent theme of Individualization.
Individualization: Sees the Unique
Those strong in Individualization are sharply aware of the uniqueness of each and every person. They notice their talents and strengths. They notice their likes and dislikes. They notice and ask about their goals and desires. And love to learn how each person thinks and dreams and believes. Each person is as different as their fingerprint.
Because they have a great understanding of what motivates and pleases each person in their sphere of influence, they customize their approach in all of their interactions. They hunt for the perfect birthday gift, they know how someone likes their afternoon latte, and they customize things like reports and files. If they have children, punishment will be doled out according to each child’s maturity and understanding of the crime in question.
It Needs to be Customized
My friend, Mike, is strong in Individualization. He uses it in his business as a Social Media marketing manager. He doesn’t sell his work in packages. He meets with each client personally. He studies their culture, their habits and their clients. He then custom designs a program for each client, knowing that each one has different, yet very specific needs. They don’t all need a sales funnel on Linked In. They do need to lead generate through Facebook. Why force them to spend money on services they don’t need?
The next time you encounter your friend or neighbor high in Individualization, ask yourself: Where do we need to customize our approach? Where can we personalize our service?
For all of your StrengthsFinder needs, visit www.GallupStrengthsCenter.com.
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