“My husband gets so excited about the littlest things! In the big picture, those things don’t really matter….”
“The team leader doesn’t have a clue. Why are you celebrating right now? The project isn’t even over! Just because we got a few steps done doesn’t mean we’re finished! We still have work to do!”
“Sometimes I want to ask my sister – Why are you wasting your time with him? He’s never going to amount to anything!”
Developers encourage and uplift others.
Strengths: They are Encouraging and Empowering
Do any of these frustrations sound familiar? Maybe you’ve got someone on your team or in your family or sphere of influence who seems to spend so much time and energy doing the “Rah-Rah” for others. It’s frustrating watching them squander time and energy on things you don’t see as valuable and at the end of the day, you just want to strangle them! “Get with the program,” you think. “We’ve got more important things to do!” You may be looking at someone especially gifted with the StrengthsFinder talent theme of Developer.
Developer: Grows Potential
Those high in Developer are patient, especially with those who are new, inexperienced, or untrained. They get a charge out of seeing others make tiny little steps towards their own greatness! They see the untapped potential in others and are willing to make the commitment of time, energy and resources to see them grow. Developers are excellent at building and maintaining relationships because they are empowering and encouraging.
They Nurture and Guide
My daughter, Allison, is a Developer. For more than two years, she worked in the church nursery with a bunch of loud, little two year olds. Not for just one service, but for two. Can you imagine — 30 little two year olds in a room together, some of them screaming, some of them pushing, some of them biting and a few of them playing quietly in the corner? That much chaos in a 10 x 14 room would make most of us crazy! But I was amazed as she interacted with these little people, patiently redirecting them, calming them, and at times, firmly disciplining them. She loved every minute with those little bundles of energy, and like a saint, was always patient and kind!
Love Your Developer
The next time you see a Developer get their pom-poms out and start dancing around with excitement over some small improvement, take a moment to appreciate this talent of theirs. Notice how they lift and build others up. Pay attention to the way they invest in and promote those around them. Ask them about the potential they see, and what plans they have devised, even if it’s only in their own imaginations. They hold the keys to potential growth and progress in others.
When dealing with Developers ask yourself: What situation do we have where we NEED a cheerleader to rally around those who need encouragement?
Find all your Strengthsfinder resources at http://gallupstrengthscenter.com.
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