“Ugh. Her attitude flies all over me! When she makes a decision, there’s no going back and no convincing her that there might have been a better way.”
“Can you believe he just up and left the country? I’m serious! Like, one day he was here and the next day he was in South America. We had no notice — he just took off at the last minute without even telling anybody.”
“How do I write a good Performance Review on one of my managers? He’s not a team-player, he’s rude, and doesn’t seem to care about the rest of his people. But he’s bold and get’s it done. I need him around here, but dang! He’s got confidence on steroids!”
Self-Assurance: quiet confidence
Strengths: They Follow Their Gut Instinct
Have you bumped into someone who steps on your last nerve because what they say or do seems to be arrogant? Maybe they ask for your advice and then do just the opposite. Or maybe they suddenly change directions and go their own way without notice. Or perhaps they are confident leaders who — on occasion — seem rude and so independent that they don’t need anyone else?
You may have encountered someone with the StrengthsFinder talent theme of Self-Assurance.
Self-Assurance: They Do Not Follow
Those strong in Self-Assurance are natural leaders — they do not follow. Oh, they may be doing something similar to you — the same job, or the same role or position. But they’re not following. They don’t follow anyone or anything except their gut instinct. It’s as if they have an Inner Guidance System installed right in the center of their solar plexus that they check on to make their decisions. They may seek input or learn things from mentors and other leaders, but at the end of the day, they OWN their decisions and take responsibility for them. They’re not afraid of risks, either, and as long as their gut tells them to go for it, they will.
And they don’t understand the rest of us when we get offended or get our feelings hurt by their actions and decisions. I mean, seriously! They’re just doing what’s right for them, and often wonder why we’re not doing the same.
Self-Assurance – an inner trust and confidence
Self-Assurance: They Need to be Independent
My friend, Nate, is strong in Self-Assurance. He has a quiet confidence about him and he is guided by his inner compass. He loves to learn and he travels a lot and when he gets an opportunity to ride off in the sunset, he jumps at it. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with him because of the suddenness in which his plans can change. Here today, gone tomorrow, off learning and exploring on a new adventure. He’s super conscious of time and what he does with it. And he squeezes every drop of experience out of every trip he takes.
Those with Self-Assurance value freedom above all else. Freedom to choose, freedom to move, and in the end, freedom to be independent and to answer to no one but themselves.
Love Some Self-Assurance
The next time you encounter someone especially talented in Self-Assurance, ask yourself: where do we need someone to lead who can work independently? Where do we need leadership that thinks outside the box, that balances risk and responsibility and will own their decisions? This is where the person with Self-Assurance will shine.
To learn more about your talents and Strengths, be sure to visit www.GallupStrengthsCenter.com.
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