Strengths
Why do I focus on strengths?
According to Gallup research when polling 10 million people, those who focus on strengths were six times more likely to be engaged in their work -- and three times more likely to affirm having an excellent quality of life. Tom Rath, who worked with Gallup and who is the author of StrengthsFinder 2.0, firmly bears this out. As he has devised a a highly reliable strengths assessment tool to help each individual identify his or her top five strengths. This is not a general assessment by any means, that could easily apply to any number of people. As each person who completes the assessment receives an individualized in-depth analysis as well as plans for action, unique only to him or her. I use this assessment. I feel it's a solid, comprehensive starting-off point. And not just for short-term goals. For changing your attitude and outlook on life that will continue to help you achieve what you want. I truly believe that as Tom Rath says, "people have several times more potential for growth when they invest energy in developing their strengths instead of correcting their deficiencies. "It's "about what's right with people." From this positive stance, we would begin our sessions.
"One of my strengths is Adaptability. People who are especially talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to “go with the flow” -- in many ways, a good thing -- but as one "adapts" ones way through a career, it can lead you places that, upon reflection, are a little vexing. Cinda not only helped me discover what my strengths are, she helped me understand how I got here and, very importantly, how to decide whether to stay or go. Another of my strengths, Empathy, considered instead by many to be a weakness, helps me remain very sensitive to customer needs and wants as I take part in creating advertising messages as an art director. With many hundreds of marketing messages competing for our attention every day, one that actually speaks to people can be very important. Learning your strengths is one thing but learning how to use them is a revelation. Thanks Cinda."
David Schmieg, D.S. Advertising Etc.
So then how do I focus on these strengths?
Once you decide to work with me and have completed the assessment, we have a one-hour issues-and-goals meeting. It can be face-to-face, by Skype or on the phone. Completely your choice. This meeting is your foundation, your outline for moving forward. Here, we not only pinpoint the issue(s) you want to resolve, but identify the results you want to see happen. Then you and I will follow through with weekly half-hour sessions. I will be there as your shoulder, as your ongoing support to explore, hash out, question, decide -- and then act. It isn't easy. There can be setbacks and you don't want to slide. I will be here to keep you focused, on task and moving forward -- ultimately helping you help yourself. Because, of course, that's the goal. That is why we set a regular session date and time to talk, each week. And it's by phone. So I'm accessible to you in the most convenient way.
"Working with Cinda got things back on track in my life. I not only reached my goal, but there were additional pluses and bonuses. And I'm so glad about that. I've changed jobs and I now look at future possibilities without urgency and discouragement. I am able to go forward on my terms within my time frame and I realize I don't need to move (out of state) to achieve the excitement and satisfaction I was seeking."
Abbey, Language translator