This year, I chose to highlight my #8 strength, Individualization. To be honest, I have concentrated on my top 5 strengths for several years and did not even realize how relevant all 10 of my top strengths were to my life.

To better understand the strength, let’s look at a couple definitions I found.

Gallup describes individuals with this strength as,

“intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.”

A second definition states about this relationship building strength,

“The genius of individualization talents is in your ability to notice and appreciate the unique characteristics of each person, and to customize your approach accordingly.”

In the beginning of 2020, I found myself thinking a lot about my Purple Ink team and how we could be efficient and a strong resource to all of our clients. This meant making sure the right people (both internal & external) were assigned to projects to create the best result on each project. I am always using my #4 strength, Relator, to boost my knowledge about each member on my team. It’s also very important to look at the client and determine which member of our team best fits the project assigned for them. This individualization strength is an area that Purple Ink strives to use on each project to make sure we customize our approach accordingly, like in the definition above. Purple Ink will always continue to do this for our clients.

Focusing on Individualization at home the past few months has been an eye opener as well. I knew my two boys were very different, but having to embrace their unique personalities while home schooling them makes me appreciate this skill of Individualization. One needs quiet, one needs immediate feedback, one needs constant positive reinforcement that they can actually finish the assignment without three snacks in between. Just kidding – well, kind of – but we’ve all learned so much by spending time together and building on what we felt were already the strongest relationships within our family. Finding out and developing our individual strengths is so important.

How I will focus on individualization in 2020?

I want to continue to challenge myself on how I can focus on this strength to further improve my role as an HR Consultant and mom at home. Here are a few ideas:

1. Seek the role of Counselor, Supervisor, Teacher, Mentor with friends and family.
2. Continue to become an expert in my own field (thankfully, I have recently had the opportunity to begin some SHRM courses).
3. Help friends, family and neighbors become keenly aware of their unique needs and strengths.
4. Continue to be thoughtful when gift giving or donating throughout the year.
5. Identify, understand, and act accordingly when giving feedback, as some people appreciate public praise, while others do not.
6. Work to create productive teams and individuals whether it be at work or home.

What will YOU do in 2020?

I am hoping that some of these ideas can help others at work or home during this year and beyond. If you are interested in learning your top 5 strengths, we highly recommend taking the CliftonStrengths® Assessment – reach out to Purple Ink and we are glad to assist, or even come join us on October 20th for a workshop. You will find the tool an amazing way to help understand yourself and in doing so, understanding and appreciating so much in others. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.