“My boss is SO controlling! He doesn’t trust me to do my job! He micro-manages everything I do and is constantly checking up on me! I don’t think I can work here much longer….”
“If my husband takes on another thing at the church, I’m going to pull my hair out! He spends all of his time up there, in charge of every thing, on every committee, every time the doors open. He would probably move in if they’d let him!”
“I don’t know why that lady down in accounting is such a stickler on expense reports. She’s constantly kicking mine back, claiming I’m over on my costs. What does a dollar or two over matter? I just wish she’d get off my back!”
Responsibility: take ownership.
Strengths: They are Committed
Is your boss or spouse or some other authority in your life driving you nuts because they are so controlling? Maybe you have to answer for everything. Or maybe they can’t seem to delegate or let go of any of the pieces of a project or event. Or perhaps they take on too much or volunteer too quickly? And why? Because they said so, that’s why.
They are constantly looking over your shoulder, checking up on you and your To-Do list. And even though you told them it would get done, they can’t see to help themselves as they call you again, send you another email or meander over to your cubicle to make sure you’re on schedule. It’s enough to make anyone crazy!
You may be involved with someone who is strong in the StrengthsFinder talent theme of Responsibility.
Responsibility Takes Ownership
Those who are especially talented in Responsibility take psychological ownership of anything that comes their way. And often, they just do the job themselves, rather than waiting for someone else to do it and report back. They “own” it, and because they own it, they anticipate being held fully accountable.
Their word is their bond. They expect their work to be correct and right, and they will do whatever it takes to make sure that if their name is on it, it gets done properly the first time. Because they have such a high work ethic, they can be counted on with near-absolute assurance to get the job done, to produce results and to do it right the first time.
They Need Control
My friend, Martin, is strong in Responsibility. He is very good at managing budgets, controlling operations expenses, handling payroll, and he keeps track of every budget item at work. At home, his wife controls the household budget but he takes total responsibility of their retirement accounts. He’s got their money diversified, allocated, hedged and leveraged in ways that she cannot keep up with. But it works for them, and they have comfort in knowing he’s got their long-term goals in mind and is ON IT.
Loving Responsibility
The next time someone seems to be hassling you about deadlines, ask them to help you understand what they are accountable for, and who they are accountable to. Understanding the story behind their intense request will help you know what’s keeping them on top of things. Don’t expect them to loosen the reins of control — because they’re wired that way.
When working with someone strong in Responsibility, ask yourself: where do we need a high level of attention and accountability? They could be the very one who you can put in charge and breathe a sigh knowing it’s going to be handled.
For more information about StrengthsFinder, visit www.GallupStrengthsCenter.com.
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