“My manager was brutal when we didn’t hit the goal. What did he expect? He set an impossible standard. No human in their right minds could think we could sell that much.”
“I just don’t know how to deal with my teammate who won’t learn to read her reports. She stays focused on generating leads — and I’ll grant you, she’s really good at that! But she’s dragging her feet in paying attention to her organization.”
“My husband makes me crazy when he drives. He never goes the same way twice — he has to shoot down side streets if he sees the slightest amount of traffic, trying to find a better way that’s faster.”
Maximizer: Drawn to excellence.
Strengths: Aim High
Do you know someone who has such high standards, they seem impossible to reach? Maybe they blow up an idea to the point where it doesn’t even seem achievable anymore. Or maybe their expectations are so tough that you feel like throwing in the towel. Perhaps they get frustrated and drop a project because it doesn’t meet with their discriminating ideals. Or they refuse to focus on areas where they are weak and instead, stay locked on what they’re good at.
You may have run into someone with the StrengthsFinder talent theme of Maximizer.
Maximizer: They Despise Mediocrity
People who are strong in Maximizer seek quality, excellence, mastery. They don’t have to be “starters.” They love to come into the middle of a project, see the high potential, and take it to the next level. They can be demanding of themselves and others, always searching to make the best of something. They can magnify an idea, a program, a system — most anything — in their search to maximize.
In contrast, they avoid areas of weakness and refuse to be “fixed.” Why bother? It takes too much effort, so they keep their focus on their areas of strength.
They cannot abide mediocrity, and don’t particularly care for the common or average, unless they see the potential for more. And they have no problem saying so, or abandoning a program or plan — right in the middle, even — if they sense that it cannot reach its full potential. They move on quickly, in search of their next opportunity for excellence. They love being associated with success and successful people.
Only the best will do for a Maximizer!
They Need to Improve Something
My friend and mentor, DeAnna, is strong in Maximizer. She saw a need to improve the coaching process to include understanding what limits the development of people in living up to their maximum potential. She led a team into creating and developing an in-depth training program that uncovers the triggers that lead people into overusing or underusing their natural gifts and talents, and guides them to their greatest strengths.
Maximizers need to strive for the best and to improve something in an effort to leave an impact.
Love Your Maximizer
The next time you encounter someone who is looking for the ultimate in achievement, productivity or accomplishment, find out what they are trying to maximize and why. They are looking to move people and plans towards greatness, and obtain the best possible outcome. With greater understanding, you can see where they want to go and you may know of resources they need to get the job done.
Ask yourself, where do we need to grow our potential and attain maximized performance? Your Maximizer may be just the one to lead the way!
To learn more about your talents and Strengths, be sure to visit www.GallupStrengthsCenter.com.
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