Top 3 takeaways from the CliftonStrengths Summit
I was just in Nebraska. Yes, this self-proclaimed city girl found herself flying solo at a conference in Nebraska. Now, I’ve been to quite a few conferences and professional events, but I’ve never been to one quite like Gallup CliftonStrengths Summit in Omaha this past week. So much energy, so many different walks of life, so much positivity, and such commitment to a brighter way of thinking. And you'd never believe it, but a handful of familiar faces too! While my inner introvert was put to the test at times, I had a very productive and energizing time meeting lots of new people. I even led a great breakout session (more on that later).
Here are my top 3 takeaways from the Summit this year:
#1: Share what you learn.
In the world of consulting, knowledge is often kept closely guarded. Why? Because our knowledge is our offering - our expertise is what we get paid for. If your competitor gets a hold of your expertise, then you are toast!
“Knowledge is not something we should hold close to our chest: sharing knowledge has an amazing multipler effect. ”
I was reminded of how exponential the force of learning can be when it’s shared. At the conference, of course there was formal knowledge sharing via keynote speakers and certification curriculum. But the real sharing happened at the breakouts, in the hallways, over lunch. I met so many people inexplicably intertwined with my interests - Donna, who plopped down next to me on the bus, only to find out she’s a Michigan native who lives outside Chicago…. Judy who lives in Bryn Mawr, PA (I have family there!) that had experience in Higher Ed and MBA student clients.... Doug who is struggling with defining the precise team parameters in his leadership group (samesies!)…. Lucas who is tasked with bringing together multiple tech teams on tight deadlines… Sounds a lot like the various strands in my life, doesn’t it?! My point is, learning is done - really done - by sharing our expertise and experience. It’s done by making connections, by listening to people’s everyday challenges, by hearing people’s stories. Knowledge is not something we should hold close to our chest: sharing knowledge has an amazing multiplier effect.
#2: It (only) takes courage.
“We all need a little more courage to disrupt the little things in our lives - the status quo here, the old habit there. ”
“Disruption” is a common - and probably misused - term in the workplace these days. Disruption is often thought of as BIG ideas, BIG moves, and BIG breakthroughs. I challenge that. I think disruption is often doing very simple things, but doing them with courage. Asking the question(s) that no one else is brave enough to ask is disruption at its best. We all need a little more courage to disrupt the little things in our lives - the status quo here, the old habit there. Changing an organizational culture can’t be done without the courage to ask 'what’s really happening here’. With my Command strength in my Top 5, many people think I have unending courage. I don’t, I assure you. But after the summit, I realized how valuable this strength really is. Whatever you want to call it - courage, command, boldness - we all need more of that in our workplaces and in our own brains to affect true change.
#3: Don’t just work FOR a purpose, work WITH a purpose
Purpose can’t just be a goal - it has to be the reason you do it every day. The Summit speaker from Stryker (the smart and talented Donna Lewandowski) reminded me of the importance of infusing purpose in my work every day. I have always been a champion of building reflection into my process, but something about Donna’s statement really stuck with me.
I am coming away from the Summit with a new energy filled with courage, purpose, and learning. Thank you Gallup CliftonStrengths Summit for hosting in Omaha!
