This is a StrengthsFinder post!
If you've watched the presidential debates and Election 2012 campaign coverage, you probably heard Senator Rick Santorum say that Newt has lots of grand ideas but the trouble is that he has an "idea a minute." I keep thinking, Newt must have Ideation.*
As a coach who uses StrengthsFinder to help people understand their wiring, I tend to see situations and people through a Strengths lens. Therefore, when I hear Newt being accused of having too many ideas...well that sounds like Ideation to me!
What is Ideation?
People with this Strength truly have an idea-a-minute (maybe a second). One friend with Ideation described herself as having "Ide-a-rea." Another friend explains that ideas are like popcorn, they just keep coming.
People with Ideation are undaunted by the ambiguity and risks of innovation. They think outside the box and bring new and fresh perspectives. They are at their best when they have the freedom to explore possibilities without limits or restraints. They are made to brainstorm!
Not all ideas are good!
Not every idea is a good idea and people with Ideation know that. They are not emotionally tied to any one idea. If you don't like their latest idea, they have a hundred more right under the surface! Because they are not chained to their own ideas, they are often less sensitive about honoring other people's ideas...not realizing that non-Ideation people might only have one idea.
People who have Ideation love coming up with something brand new and are fascinated by ideas. They delight in discovering an elegantly simple concept beneath the surface of a complex situation—a simple concept that explains why things are the way they are. They are looking for connections, solutions and new ways to solve or explain the challenges or events around us. Doesn't that sound like what we know of Newt?
Of course every Strength has commensurate weaknesses. The best approach to deal with those is to:
- Know your Strengths...really know them!
- Assemble a team around you that brings the other necessary Strengths
- Navigate around your weakenesses
Newt, Rick (or any other candidate)... I can help!
At least knowing your Strengths will help. Knowing and using your Strengths will benefit your campaign, your effectiveness in life and your relationships.
Just contact me! :)
* Disclaimer: I do not know Newt's Strengths. The only way to know your Strengths is by taking the StrengthsFinder assessment.
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