People who are especially talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They are often impatient.
Ideas for Action
1. Seek work in which you can make your own decisions and act on them. In particular, look for start-up or turnaround situations.
2. At work, make sure that your manager judges you on measurable outcomes rather than your process. Your process is not always pretty.
3. You can transform innovative ideas into immediate action. Look for creative and original thinkers, and help them move their ideas from conceptual theory to concrete practice.
4. Look for areas that are bogged down by discussion or blocked by barriers. End the stalemate by creating a plan to get things moving and spur others into action.
5. You learn more from real experience than from theoretical discussions. To grow, consciously expose yourself to challenging experiences that will test your talents, skills, and knowledge.
6. Remember that although your tenacity is powerful, it may intimidate some. Your Activator talents will be most effective when you have first earned others’ trust and loyalty.
7. Identify the most influential decision makers in your organization. Make it a point to have lunch with each of them at least once a quarter to share your ideas. They can support you in your activation and provide critical resources to make your ideas happen.
8. You can easily energize the plans and ideas of others. Consider partnering with focused, futuristic, strategic, or analytical people who will lend their direction and planning to your activation, thereby creating an opportunity to build consensus and get others behind the plan. By doing this, you complement each other.
9. Give the reasons why your requests for action must be granted. Otherwise, others might dismiss you as impatient and label you a “ready, fire, aim” person.
10. You possess an ability to create motion and momentum in others. Be strategic and wise in the use of your Activator talents. When is the best time, where is the best place, and who are the best people with whom to leverage your valuable influence?
* Source: StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath