strengthsfinder2.0 – Maureen Monte

KINSHIP

Kinship. Noun. “The feeling of being connected to other people.” Our performance, and even our survival, depends on the feeling of kinship we have with others. To underscore its importance, I will share two stories of two very people, from two very different parts of the world, whose lives were transformed by kinship. Both were problem children; nobody benefits more from kinship than a problem child. Why? Because others often turn against them, leaving them feeling isolated, undervalued, and beleaguered. In such circumstances, kinship can be a lifesaver.

Remember to Remember

So, whatever you’re doing right now – right this minute – I want you stop. Just stop. There. Have you hit the pause button? Now, I want you to remember what it was like when you didn’t know how to do what you were just doing.

Ideas Welcome

I am an Idea Machine – Ideation is my number one StrengthsFinder® talent. While I was watching TV on Monday, I saw a marvelous GE commercial on how the corporate world responds to people who generate ideas. It absolutely knocked me off my feet. The Idea is represented by a creature that looks like an offspring between Big Bird and a peacock. It is repeatedly kicked to the curb, locked out of the building, and trashed as being undesirable until, morose and deflated, it walks through the doors of GE.

Labor Less Achieve More

In honor of America’s Labor Day holiday, I’m celebrating people who labor less to achieve more. These talented individuals leverage their strengths. Case in point: Usain Bolt runs the 100 meter dash in 41 steps, fewer steps than anyone else in the race. 100 meters divided by 41 = 2.44 meters per stride. For those of us who went to Romeo High School, that equals eight feet. Eight FEET! With each stride, Bolt covers ground that is longer than some cars! This gives him a distinct competitive advantage. He labors less to win more – which is exactly what you should be doing to achieve your maximum potential. Here are a few thought starters.

Winning B&W BlogCranbrook State Champs 1190

What Success Looks Like

I’ve taken a hiatus from blogging. It wasn’t really a conscious choice. I’ve been squeezed by forces – fabulous forces – that have required my energy and focus. One of those forces was working with the Cranbrook Varsity Hockey Team, leveraging my strengths-based success program on their quest to win the Michigan State Championship. The experience of working with them, pardon the pun, was a game changer for me.

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