People who are especially talented in the Focus theme can take a direction, follow through, and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act.
Ideas for Action
1. When you set goals, discipline yourself to include timelines and measurements. These will provide regular proof that you are indeed making progress.
2. Seek roles in which you can function independently. With your dominant Focus talents, you will be able to stay on track with little supervision.
3. Your greatest worth as a team member might be helping others set goals. At the end of meetings, take responsibility for summarizing what was decided, for defining when these decisions will be acted on, and for setting a date when the group will reconvene.
4. Others will think, act, and talk less efficiently than you do. Pay attention. Sometimes their “detours” will lead to discoveries and delights.
5. Stretch your goal setting beyond work. If you find yourself becoming too focused on work goals, set goals for your personal life. They will give weight to your personal priorities and thereby help create balance in your life.
6. Hours can disappear when you are intent on a task; you lose track of time. Make sure that all of your objectives are met and all of your priorities are followed by scheduling your efforts and sticking to that schedule.
7. You function best when you can concentrate on a few well-defined initiatives and demands. Give yourself permission to reject projects or tasks that do not align with your overall mission. This will help you concentrate your efforts on your most important priorities — and will help others appreciate your need for focus.
8. Take the time to write down your aspirations, and refer to them often. You will feel more in control of your life.
9. At work, be sure to tell your manager your mid-term and short-term goals. This might well give your manager the confidence to give you the room you need.
10. Make sure that the focus points you set for yourself take into consideration both quantity and quality. The integrity of your objectives will ensure that the application of your Focus talents leads to solid and long-lasting success.
* Source: StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath