Play to Your Strengths

           Respect Strength Differences

It's tax time. I wait nervously in the small reception area waiting for a meeting with my accountant. It's three days before my quarterly statements are due.

Nervously, I clutch the manila folders in my lap. I have stuffed an array of letters, reports, and financial documents in these folders in hopes of looking prepared for this meeting.

Despite my efforts, I feel hopelesslydisorganized. Numbers are hard for me to grasp. I don't see numbers. I just hope Charlie can figure it out.

As I sit there nervously drinking coffee, the door opens and Charlie stands there smiling. "Welcome!" He greets me as if I haven't a care in the world. "Come in and sit down."

I follow him into his office. "What do you have for me?" he asks expectantly. I am embarrassed as I dump the contents of my folders onto his desk.

With a sense of glee, he picks up the stacks of number-laden sheets and starts ruffling through them. "Oh Good!" He exclaims. "This is exactly what I'm looking for."

Minutes later, Charlie is deep into the piles, happily sorting and clicking numbers into his computer. In less than twenty minutes, he looks up and says, "I've got it. Here's the numbers you need."

I'm dumb founded. "Charlie, how did you do that? I wouldn't know where to start."

"It's easy," he says. "The numbers are all right there. I just pull them together. This is what I loveto do."

I shake my head. To me he's just performed an absolute miracle and even transformed my mood into pleasant optimism.

He continues, "What's really hard is figuring outhow to deal with my staff. Now there's a real challenge!"

Immediately, I take notice. Now he's talkingabout something I understand - juicy workplace issues and mucked up relationships.

"Tell me more," I said, genuinely interested.

Charlie shares his frustrations and the actionshe's taking to address the situation. After listeningfor a time, I suggest, "How about trying this..." Charlie likes the idea. "That's brilliant!" he says. "Iwould never have thought of that."

Then it's my turn to smile. "I can't see numbersCharlie, but people issues are right up my alley."

For a moment, we appreciate how helpful we've been to each other. "Thanks Charlie," I said as I walk out the door. "No. Thank you!" he says to me.

Charlie and I have just exchanged the gifts ofour talents. Calling on each other's talents helped usto reduce stress and make a difference to eachother's lives.

Recognize your strengths and offer these giftsto others - then watch your energy and enthusiasmsoar.

 

---

News and Events

---

On July 25th, I'm presenting to employees at Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express) onthe topic, "How to keep your feet on solid groundwhen everything around you is changing."

Invite Faith to speak at your next conference orleadership retreat.

If you have suggestions or ideas, please emailme at faith@faithralston.com and I'll publish in thenext newsletter.

Have a wonderful summer month!

Faith
President, Leaps of Faith, Inc. and Creator of Play toYour Strengths Talent System

---

Visit our Website

---

Learn more about your talents!

Visit 'Free Resources' on our new website andlearn how your talents can contribute high value.