Author: Jan Peters

November 2024

27th November 2024

| News

November 2024 News

It’s a shock to us, if not to you, that we are a quarter way through the 21st century. As our penultimate newsletter of 2024 we want to share our passion for group coaching and the importance that everyone deserves and needs a coach, see Jan’s LinkedIn post) and that the essence of a high performing team is about communication.

It’s now 5 years since we launched our conversations on inclusion. And in 2025 we want to grow the engagement with this approach.: to help stop the preaching about EDI and to enable and empower each person to do one thing.

This month we’re exploring

The CliftonStrength, Competition – scroll to the bottom
The benefit of getting a coach , early in your career, and especially for PhD/Postdocs. Also, how group coaching is a cost effective and powerful choice.
Helping to get things done with the FREE graphic summary of the 4 disciplines of execution
Notice of our December Strengths Jam end of year party. 4 December at 11am

We hope you will be rooting for us at the Elektra Awards, for a company supporting the education and training of engineers on 10th December.

We continue to love, love, love, facilitating workshops and create action plans for a diverse range of inclusion programmes with corporates, professional societies, and universities including renewing for Athena Swan.

This year in the office we are enjoying the sunny days, knowing that all our energy for heat, light, and PCs is coming from the sun! 100% solar.

In the meantime we hope your Movember is a good one.

Jan and the Katalytik team

PS If you’d like to catch up and hear more, or check-in for a chat just book a call

PPS don’t forget to sign up to our GDPR compliant news letter at the top of the page to get this direct to your inbox.

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We are excited to have been shortlisted for the Elektra Award, for companies supporting engineering education. Since we led the Set to Lead project at UCL in 2010 we have proivded input to the UKSPEC and AHEP, three times! gone on to embed inclusive thinking into the award winning Integrated Engineering Programme at UCL, and from the symposia in 2016 and 2018 written the report Designing inclusive engineering education. Our learning has led to our Engineering Inclusion Forum – training trainers to tweak their programmes, supporting doctoral students and academics, and working to measure progress.

We’re not all blessed with ‘executing themes’ high in our CliftonStrengths profile. But we probably all get caught up in the vortex of work and life. This months ‘must read’ and your free download is the summary of the book “The 4 disciplines of execution” by Chesney, Covey, and Huling.

If you find yourself in a vortex, are stuck, and feel like you just aren’t getting things done, see if this helps. And then read Atomic Habits!

The value of coaching early in one’s career is often underestimated. While coaching is often associated with senior professionals, the truth is that coaching can propel individuals towards their goals swiftly. As Eric Schmidt of Google emphasized, ‘Everyone needs a coach.’ We advocate for the impact of group coaching. It serves as a platform for peers to collaborate, learn from each other, and grow collectively. It provides an opportunity to enhance practice listening skills abilities by actively engaging in the coaching process. Read more on Jan’s LinkedIn

Helen and Jan took a day out of the office to meet with other CliftonStrengths coaches and Simon Hurry of Play Nicely to dive deeper into positive psychology and Simon’s deep thinking of how groups of CliftonStrengths are often found within one person.

Simon has framed these types into a 4×4 matrix that shape how we show up: as Guardians, Change Managers, Change Agents, and Reformers. We’re looking forward to exploring his methodology in 2025 and bringing our insights to our workshops and teams very soon. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, call for a chat.

Katalytik is excited to be the training provider for the Electric Dreams project – celebrating the innovation and passions of women from 1924 who set up the Electrical Association of Women to “free them from domestic drudgery”. And asking people to think forwards to 2054. Part of this years Ingenious fund, we are providing the training and faciliation of the project.

Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious Project Jan is excited to be the training facilitator.

Strengths Jam – 4th December 11am

A Strengths Jam Christmas Party 😊

Let’s reflect on great moments from 2024, What strengths were you using, and why are these such powerful memories? How can we bring this into the Christmas period and 2025? In true party style, you all leave with an e gift from us at Katalytik

Join us by registering here

This month’s strengths blog

The CliftonStrength Competition® is a gift in many settings. It brings an energy and push to be first. Appreciating that others are not motivated by being first, or winning at all costs, can seem surprising. Time to reflect and explore what their world is like can be an eye-opener into how you can be helpful partners.

This blog looks at the darker side of Competition and offers strategies for leveraging its power and learning how to let it be a help and not a hindrance to your success.

Read the blog

CliftonStrength Competition

25th November 2024

Unveiling the Blindspots of the CliftonStrength Competition theme and ideas how to address them The CliftonStrengths Competition theme drives performance and excellence. However, even the most positive traits can have their blind spots. In this article, we delve into the potential pitfalls of the…

Communication – strengths or weakness?

5th November 2024

| News

Communication – a strength or weakness?

The CliftonStrengths Communication theme is a gift in many settings. But Communication can present challenges and have the opposite of the effect you expect and impact your connection to others. An integral part of our dark side blog series, we offer tips to build your strengths-based practice and live a strengths-based life.

Individuals with high Communication excel at finding the right words to express ideas vividly, share stories that stick, and engage audiences effectively. Yet, like all strengths, the Communication theme has potential blind spots—areas where over-reliance on or misapplication of this talent can lead to unintended consequences. Identifying and understanding these blind spots is vital if you are to make the most of this talent while staying grounded in authentic, constructive communication.

Understanding Communication as a Strength

Those high in Communication naturally think in words and enjoy describing, explaining, or “giving voice” to things. They typically value clarity and prefer to express themselves in a way that’s accessible to others. They also bring energy to group settings and often encourage team discussion by turning complex ideas into relatable, easily digestible messages. People with this theme can:

inspire,
motivate,
entertain, and
clarify

However, for all its potential, this talent can have limitations when not applied with balance.

Key Blind Spots of the Communication Strength

1. Talking More Than Listening

One of the most common blind spots for people with Communication is a tendency to talk more than listen. Because they’re naturally inclined to share their thoughts and elaborate on topics, they may unconsciously dominate conversations, leaving others feeling unheard. This can become a particular challenge in team environments, where shared input and collaboration are essential. Overuse of verbal expression may unintentionally crowd out other voices, which can impact trust and openness.

One of the most common blind spots for people with Communication is a tendency to talk more than listen

Overcoming This Blind Spot:
Actively practice pausing and inviting others to share your perspectives. (A must-read for you is Deep Listening by Oscar Trimboli.) Setting an intention to listen first before speaking helps balance (or, in fact, makes the conversation two-way!!) the dialogue. Inviting feedback from colleagues or friends helps you gain insight into how others perceive their own listening skills. Pausing to acknowledge others’ contributions can go a long way in building strong, trusting relationships.

2. Over-Reliance on Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool, and people with high Communication naturally leverage stories to make their points memorable and impactful. However, there’s a fine line between insightful storytelling and overwhelming others with anecdotes. If overused, storytelling can dilute the focus of a conversation, particularly in situations where a concise, straightforward answer is more appropriate. Too many stories can feel like too much embellishment and your listeners’ may lose focus or even question your credibility.

Overcoming This Blind Spot:
Learning to assess when a story is relevant to the conversation—and when it’s not—is key. Before sharing a story, pause and consider if it adds value to the topic at hand. Setting the stage for storytelling by briefly stating the main point can also help you keep the narrative concise and impactful, rather than straying into unrelated details. Asking yourself, “Is this story helping clarify the message or adding noise?” – a tip I find acts as a helpful guide.

One of the most common blind spots for people with Communication is a tendency to talk more than listen

3. Preference for Verbal Communication Over Written Communication

Talking comes naturally. Writing, however, may not always be your preferred medium, and you might struggle with long, structured written tasks that require a different level of focus. The verbal fluency that Communication talent holders exhibit doesn’t always translate seamlessly to writing, which may require precision, structure, and brevity. In workplaces or situations where clear documentation is crucial, this preference can become a limitation.

Overcoming This Blind Spot:
Practice organizing your ideas before writing, just as you would outline a story before telling it. Taking the time to develop written structure and tone can improve clarity and ensure that your message comes across as intended. Additionally, using tools like bullet points and summaries helps break down complex messages for clarity, a technique to build into your routine to strengthen your communication talent.

4. Difficulty Handling Ambiguity or Silence

Are you uncomfortable with ambiguity or silence in conversations? You may feel the need to fill the space with words, even when the situation might call for reflection or quiet. This tendency can sometimes lead to saying things without full consideration, potentially resulting in miscommunication. Inadvertently, you may also push others into feeling rushed or pressured to speak before they’re ready, which can hinder genuine sharing and problem-solving.

Overcoming This Blind Spot:
Practicing being comfortable with silence and learning to read the room are valuable skills to nurture. Always seek to remind yourself that pauses allow others time to process information, and this can lead to more thoughtful responses. Developing patience with moments of silence can also deepen interpersonal connections, as it shows openness to listening and understanding at a deeper level. Again, refer to Oscar Trimboli.

5. Appearing Superficial or Lacking Depth

Your ability to convey ideas in simple terms, because of your Communication talent means you may be perceived as being superficial. While you can make complex ideas seem easy to understand, this tendency can sometimes come across as lacking depth, especially when discussing intricate or nuanced subjects. This perception can impact your credibility, which is a great reason to stay tuned in to it especially in professional settings where expertise and detailed understanding are valued.

Overcoming This Blind Spot:
Being able to show the depth behind your ideas will help. Be ready to share additional information or acknowledge complexities that may not be fully covered in a quick summary. This can divert potential criticisms, encourage or deflect alternative perspectives to show that you’ve considered multiple sides of the topic. Asking for others’ viewpoints can also demonstrate that you value depth and are open to richer discussions.

6. Overwhelming Others with Information

Communication-oriented individuals often possess a wealth of information on various topics, which they’re eager to share. The risk of overwhelming others with excessive detail, especially if you are inclined to go off on tangents or over-explain can cause confusion, fatigue, and even frustration in listeners, particularly in fast-paced or high-stakes situations.

Overcoming This Blind Spot:
The key here is to focus on delivering information that’s relevant and concise. Practicing the art of summarization can be helpful. Always keep an eye on what the main takeaway should be and limit your message to that core point. By practicing brevity and learning to “edit” your verbal contributions, you can keep conversations productive and engaging. Some may enjoy the art of graphic recording.

Communication-oriented individuals often possess a wealth of information on various topics, which they’re eager to share.

Final Thoughts

Awareness of these blind spots allows individuals with the Communication strength to become more intentional and self-aware in their interactions. Communication is a powerful tool, but like all strengths, it’s most effective when balanced with listening, adaptability, and sensitivity to others. By developing these skills, people high in Communication can maximize their impact, create authentic connections, and truly elevate their message.

Six quick tips to stop over communicating

Action to Balance Talking with Listening

Practice Active Listening Techniques:

Start conversations by asking a question and waiting to respond until the other person finishes sharing.
Use reflective listening by summarizing what you heard before adding your thoughts. This reinforces listening and helps others feel valued.

Quick Tip: Set a timer for 1-2 minutes and let others share without interrupting. Aim to listen fully before responding.

Action to Focus Storytelling

Consider the Purpose of Your Story:

Before sharing an anecdote, ask yourself, “How does this story add to my main message?”
Practice telling stories with a time limit (e.g., 2 minutes) to hone concise storytelling skills. Aim to deliver only the most relevant details.

Quick Tip: Try to finish your story with a direct takeaway or insight, connecting it back to the topic at hand.

Action to Strengthen Written Communication

Practice Outlining Before Writing:

Before you begin writing, jot down a few bullet points to structure your thoughts. This will help you stay focused on the main points and maintain clarity.
Use editing tools (e.g., Grammarly, Hemingway) to refine your writing for brevity and readability.

Quick Tip: Write a short summary or “headline” for your written message first. This can serve as a guide for keeping your message on track.

Action to Embrace Silence in Conversations

Count to Three Before Responding:

After someone else speaks, pause and count to three before responding. This gives others a moment to add more thoughts and prevents you from filling the silence too quickly.
Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises before meetings to develop comfort with pauses and reflective moments.

Quick Tip: During team discussions, remind yourself that silence is an opportunity for deeper reflection and that you don’t need to fill every pause.

Action to Show Depth and Credibility

Prepare Key Facts or Data Points:

Before important meetings or discussions, come prepared with a few well-researched data points or examples to support your main points. This can help you convey credibility and depth.
When sharing ideas, add a brief mention of any sources or prior experiences that back your perspective.

Quick Tip: Think about adding one “supporting detail” for each main point you make to show depth without overwhelming others.

Action to Avoid Overloading Others with Information

Practice the Rule of Three:

Aim to share no more than three main points or pieces of information at a time. This can prevent your message from becoming overly detailed or complex.
Practice summarizing complex ideas into one or two sentences first, and save extra details for when they’re requested.

Quick Tip: End with a question like, “Would you like to hear more about that?” to let others decide if they want further detail.

Strengths Jam CliftonStrengths Partnership Pairs

25th September 2024

| Strengths, What We Do

Navigating strengths: Communication and Learner in the workplace Our monthly Strengths Jams are now in the fifth year and provide space for us to connect in a friendly space with people from our workshops, exploring strengths, chatting over challenges and enriching conversations from our…

Command goes to the Dark Side

25th September 2024

Introduction Your Command gives you an energy and passion, that you wear as a cloak, and it’s possible you may not be aware of it. Be sure though, that others see it clearly. It brings a certainty and aura of confidence. The thing is…

How your CliftonStrength Belief hinders you

1st August 2024

Being able to notice how your Belief shows up means you maximise your potential to harness its power.

The Belief theme in CliftonStrengths, one of the 34 themes identified by Gallup, is characterized by individuals who have core values that are deeply held and unchanging. People with Belief are driven by these values, which provide them with direction, purpose, and meaning. They are passionate about their causes and are often seen as steadfast and reliable. While this strength can lead to tremendous dedication and a strong sense of mission, it is not without its potential blind spots. Understanding these blind spots can help individuals leverage their Belief talent more effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.

And for ideas how your Belief might come across to others, and what you can do about it, read our whitepaper on conflict and communication, it contains a table of all 34 CliftonStrengths.

Understanding Belief ® as a strength

Someone with Belief as a top theme has a strong set of core values that define their decisions and actions. They have a strong sense of purpose and direction. Often described as dependable and trustworthy they ere mission-oriented and inspire others with their passion and conviction.

Common blindspots of Belief hinders progress

The Belief theme in CliftonStrengths is a powerful driver of purpose and mission. However, like all strengths, it comes with potential blind spots that can limit effectiveness if left unchecked. By acknowledging and addressing these blind spots: rigidity in thinking, potential for conflict, resistance to change, overemphasis on values, difficulty in prioritizing, and risk of alienation—individuals with the Belief theme can harness their strengths more fully and constructively. Balancing passion with flexibility, empathy, and practicality can lead to a more harmonious and productive application of their deeply held values, ultimately benefiting themselves, their teams, and the broader causes they champion.

1. Rigidity in Thinking

One of the most significant blind spots associated with the Belief theme is rigidity. Individuals with strong Belief may find it challenging to be flexible or open to different perspectives. This can lead to a perception of inflexibility or stubbornness, especially in environments that require adaptability and innovation. While it is essential to hold true to one’s values, there are times when compromising or considering alternative viewpoints is necessary for collaborative success.

Mitigation Strategy: To mitigate this, individuals with Belief should practice active listening and seek to understand opposing views without immediately dismissing them. Engaging in open-ended questions and considering the merits of alternative approaches can help in balancing conviction with flexibility.

2. Potential for Conflict

Belief-driven individuals are passionate about their causes and values, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with others who do not share the same views. This passion, while admirable, can be perceived as overbearing or confrontational. In a team setting, this can create friction and hinder collaboration.

Mitigation Strategy: Recognizing the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence is crucial. By understanding and respecting the values and beliefs of others, individuals with the Belief theme can foster a more inclusive and harmonious environment. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills can also be beneficial in navigating disagreements constructively.

3. Resistance to Change

People with the Belief theme often have a strong attachment to their values and the causes they support. This attachment can translate into resistance to change, particularly if the change seems to threaten their core beliefs. In a rapidly evolving world, this resistance can be a significant obstacle.

Mitigation Strategy: Embracing a growth mindset can help. By viewing change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat, individuals with Belief can learn to adapt while still honouring their core values. It is also helpful to focus on how new changes or initiatives can align with and support their fundamental beliefs.

4. Overemphasis on Values

While having strong values is a hallmark of the Belief theme, there can be a tendency to overemphasize values at the expense of other critical factors such as efficiency, practicality, or profitability. This overemphasis can sometimes result in decisions that are not balanced or sustainable.

Mitigation Strategy: Striving for balance is key. Individuals with the Belief theme should work on integrating their values with practical considerations. Seeking input from others who have strengths in areas like Strategic, Analytical, or Maximizer can provide a more rounded perspective, ensuring that decisions are both value-driven and effective.

5. Difficulty in Prioritizing

The passion and commitment associated with the Belief theme can sometimes lead to taking on too many causes or initiatives simultaneously. This can result in burnout or diluted efforts, where none of the causes receive the full attention they deserve.

Mitigation Strategy: Prioritization is essential. Learning to focus on a few key initiatives that align most closely with one’s core values can lead to more impactful and sustainable efforts. Techniques such as goal setting and time management can aid in maintaining focus and energy on the most important causes.

By pairing the Belief theme with complementary strengths, from a partner, or noticing how you own top themes interact with it, you can create powerful partnerships that mitigate blind spots and enhance their overall effectiveness. Thiscreates a balanced approach, blending your strong values with flexibility, empathy, and strategic insight. Embracing these synergistic combinations allows your Belief theme to maximize its potential and help you navigate your mission with greater success and fulfilment.

When your CliftonStrength Arranger gets in your way

3rd July 2024

When your Arranger goes to the dark side

The CliftonStrengths framework identifies 34 distinct talent themes, each representing a specific way of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Among these, the Arranger® strength is characterized by the ability to organize and manage multiple variables to achieve success. Individuals with Arranger® are natural coordinators, adept at juggling numerous tasks and responsibilities. However, like all strengths, Arranger® has potential blind spots. In this blog, we’ll explore these blind spots and suggest complementary strengths that can help mitigate them. Knowing how your Arranger works for you means you can notice when it gets ‘stretched’ and can impact on your wellbeing.

And for ideas how your Arrnager might come across to others, and what you can do about it, read our whitepaper on conflict and communication, it contains a table of all 34 CliftonStrengths.

Understanding Arranger® as a strength

Individuals with the Arranger® strength thrive in dynamic environments. They are at their best when managing complex scenarios, finding the most efficient configurations of people and resources to achieve a goal. They are flexible, adaptable, and thrive on figuring out how all the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

Common blind spots of Arranger®

Over-control and micromanagement

With Arranger® dominant, people often believe they can manage everything better than anyone else. This can lead to micromanagement tendencies, which can stifle team members’ creativity and autonomy. The need to oversee every detail can create bottlenecks and delay decision-making processes. Friction and frustration are common outcomes when two or more Arrangers® are on the same project.

Risk of overwhelm and burnout

The desire of Arranger® to handle multiple tasks simultaneously can lead to taking on too much. This overcommitment can result in stress, burnout, and a decrease in overall effectiveness. The constant juggling can become overwhelming, especially when unforeseen challenges arise.

Inflexibility under pressure

Although your Arranger® theme inherently makes you generally flexible, it can make you less accommodating under pressure. When your carefully organized plans are disrupted, you may become frustrated and struggle to adapt, potentially leading to wasted energy and decreased performance.

Neglecting long-term planning

Knowing that you are inherently truly competent at managing immediate needs and short-term goals, means you may sometimes neglect long-term planning. Your intense focus on the present causes you to overlook future implications, which can be detrimental in strategic contexts.

Strengths to partner with Arranger®

To mitigate these blind spots, finding a partner with other high ranking themes – or complementary strengths – can help you create a more balanced and effective approach. Here are some suggestions that can help you catch your blind spots before they cause too much trouble for you!

Strategic®

Individuals with the Strategic strength are adept at seeing patterns and anticipating future scenarios. They excel at long-term planning and can help your Arranger® maintain a broader perspective. Collaborating with Strategic, ensures that your immediate plans align with long-term goals, reducing the risk of missing important future implications.

Analytical®

A colleague or partner with Analytical® dominant in their profile brings a deep understanding and joy of data to our projects and the ability to break down complex information into manageable parts. Partnering with Analytical individuals can help you make more informed decisions, preventing you from overcommitting or missing critical details. Your Analytical partner(s) can provide a reality check, feedback and also ask you what might at first appear to be challenging questions, be brave, their involvement means your plans are feasible and grounded in data.

Adaptability®

While your Arranger® talent means you are inherently flexible, if things get challenging, under stress, partnering with someone who has the Adaptability® strength can help maintain a calm and flexible approach in the face of disruption. Their calm approach thrives in times of chaos and stress and can provide a calm vibe and can help you navigate unexpected changes smoothly.

Communication®

Working on complex plans you will find a Communication® partner is valuable, bringing clarity and understanding among team members. Articulating your plans effectively, reduces the risk of being over controlling and micromanagement. Clear communication fosters trust and autonomy within the team, allowing your Arranger® to focus on coordination rather than control.

Focus®

Individuals with the Focus® strength have a strong ability to concentrate on goals and prioritize tasks. They can help you maintain direction and avoid becoming overwhelmed by too many simultaneous tasks. By keeping the team aligned on the most critical objectives, your Focus® partner can prevent you being stretched across too many tasks.

Practical action

Delegate effectively

Leveraging the strengths of the whole team by sharing the work out that that aligns with their talents shows trust. Trusting others to handle specific responsibilities again reduces the tendency your Arranger® gives you to micromanage and lets your free up your time for higher-level coordination.

Set boundaries and prioritize

Your Focus® partners are vital to help set clear priorities and boundaries. Identify the most critical tasks and allocate time accordingly. This collaboration helps avoid overcommitment and means you maintain a manageable workload.

Engage in strategic planning and deep listening

Regularly checking in with your colleagues and particularly engaging with Strategic partners means you review long-term goals and align short-term plans with these objectives. Incorporate strategic thinking into the planning process to ensure a balanced approach that considers both immediate needs and future implications.

Foster and engage in open communication

Encourage, and participate in, open communication within your team. Work with Communication partners to establish clear channels for feedback and discussion. This openness can prevent misunderstandings and create a more collaborative and autonomous work environment.

Embrace flexibility

Recognize that plans may need to change and be open to input from all team members. Embrace a mindset that values flexibility and resilience, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. And be aware especially if someone else in your team has a high Arranger® strength.

6. Notice how your Arranger affects your mood

Staying on top of one of your best themes means you can manage your wellbeng better. Read this blog from Gallup.

Conclusion

Your Arranger® strength is a powerful asset in any team. Your innate talent gives you capacity to manage complexity and drive efficient outcomes and amazes others. However, awareness of its blind spots and building strategic partnerships with complementary strengths can enhance its effectiveness. And maintain team sanity. By collaborating with individuals who possess Strategic, Analytical, Adaptability, Communication, or Focus strengths, mitigates negative impacts of the blind spots and creates a more balanced, productive, and resilient team dynamic. Embracing these partnerships and leveraging diverse strengths can lead to greater success and fulfillment in both personal and professional endeavours. Above all, take note of how yo come across, check in with your colleagues (or family) and invite them to sape the plans.

Conflict and communication: a major issue for engineering

20th June 2024

| News, Opinion, Reports

We’re so excited for our whitepaper on conflict and communication to finally meet the rest of the world. We started on the journey because we wanted to add greater value to our workshops, drawing on the experiences of engineering managers about the challenges they…

Common blind spots with Analytical®

22nd May 2024

Common blind spots with CliftonStrength Analytical

This blogpost explores the common blndspots that occur when your ClifotnStrength Analytical strengths is dominant, and offers strategies to help mitigate any possible problems this can cause. The CliftonStrengths® assessment, developed by Gallup, identifies 34 distinct talent themes that individuals naturally exhibit. Among these, the Analytical® theme is highly valued for its ability to think critically, dissect complex problems, and make data-driven decisions. You will notice if a friend or colleague has Analytical® because they will be a source of many questions. However, like all strengths, Analytical® has its blind spots that can hinder both personal and professional growth if not managed effectively. This blog explores the potential blind spots of the Analytical® strength and offers strategies to mitigate them.

Of course, it can be easy to upset others with high Analytical® if you fail to realise this is a leading strength for them, by demanding further detail and data from them! Why do you think this is?

Individuals with a dominant Analytical® theme excel in understanding the reasons and causes behind situations. They enjoy data and facts, seeking patterns and correlations to make informed decisions. Their approach is methodical, objective, and logical, often leading to well-thought-out conclusions and solutions. However, this focus on analysis can sometimes lead to challenges, especially when interpersonal dynamics and emotional intelligence are required.ClifotnStrength

The Analytical® strength, with its emphasis on data and logic, is invaluable in many contexts. Awareness of the potential blind spots it brings you is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. Developing a keener awareness of how others might receive your questions and demand for data, balancing detailed analysis with timely decision-making, embracing open-mindedness, maintaining a big-picture perspective, and simplifying communication, can enhance your contributions. Leveraging complementary strengths within a team can also ensure you bring a more inclusive approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Some suggestions are incorporated below.

Of course, it can be easy to upset others with high Analytical® if you fail to realise this is a leading strength for them, by demanding further detail and data from them! Why do you think this is?

Common blindsopts for people with a dominant Analytical^® strength

I

Blind Spot 1: Overemphasis on data

Description: Analytical® individuals may prioritize data and factual information over intuition and emotional considerations. This can lead to decisions that, while logically sound, might lack sensitivity to the human element involved.

Example: In a team meeting, you might present a compelling argument based on data but overlook team members’ concerns or feelings about the proposed solution. This drive might mean you barely pause to listen or let others process the answer. Your certainty of the facts might also silence some.

Mitigation strategies:

Incorporate emotional intelligence: Develop an awareness of others’ emotions and perspectives. This can be achieved through active listening and empathy, ensuring that decisions are both data-driven and considerate of team dynamics.
Seek diverse input: Balance data analysis with input from colleagues who have strong relationship-building strengths. This can provide a more holistic view of the situation and lead to more inclusive decision-making.

Blind Spot 2: Paralysis by analysis

Description: The desire to thoroughly analyse every detail can result in decision-making delays, sometimes referred to as “paralysis by analysis.” This can be particularly problematic in fast-paced environments where timely decisions are crucial.

Example: An Analytical®-led manager might take too long to finalize a project plan because they are continually seeking additional data to validate their decisions.

Mitigation strategies:

Set deadlines: Establish clear deadlines for decision-making to ensure that analysis does not become an endless process.
Prioritize information: Focus on the most critical data points and learn to make decisions with incomplete information when necessary. Recognize that not every decision requires exhaustive analysis.

Blind Spot 3: Scepticism and cynicism

Description: Analytical®-led individuals often have a natural scepticism, questioning assumptions and seeking evidence. While this can lead to robust conclusions, it can also come across as cynicism, potentially demotivating team members or causing friction.

Example: During a brainstorming session, an Analytical®-led person might dismiss creative ideas too quickly if they don’t see immediate data to support them, stifling innovation.

Mitigation strategies:

Embrace open-mindedness: Practice maintaining an open mind, especially during the early stages of idea generation. Encourage a culture of innovation by temporarily setting aside the need for immediate data validation. Look for ways to build a growth mindset.
Build trust: Cultivate strong relationships with team members to ensure that scepticism is seen as a constructive part of the process rather than a barrier to creativity. Look to the Johari Window model.

Blind Spot 4: Overlooking big picture

Description: The focus on details and data can sometimes lead Analytical®-led individuals to miss the broader context or the long-term vision. They may get so engrossed in the minutiae that they lose sight of overarching goals and strategies.

Example: An Analytical® team member might perfect a specific process but fail to align it with the company’s strategic objectives, leading to inefficiencies in the larger scheme.

Mitigation strategies:

Strategic partnerships: Collaborate with individuals who have a strong Strategic® or Futuristic® theme. They can help maintain focus on the big picture and ensure that detailed analysis supports broader goals.
Regular reflection: Periodically step back to review how detailed tasks fit into the overall strategy. This can be facilitated through regular team meetings or personal reflection sessions.

Blind Spot 5: Communication® challenges

Description: Analytical®-led individuals often use technical language and detailed explanations, which can be overwhelming or confusing to those who prefer more straightforward communication.

Example: In a presentation, you might delve deeply into data specifics, losing the audience who may not be as data-savvy.

Mitigation strategies:

Simplify communication: Learn to tailor messages to the audience. Use clear, concise language and highlight key points without overloading on data.
Storytelling: Incorporate storytelling techniques to make data more relatable and engaging. This can help convey the significance of the information in a more accessible manner.

Ideas of other CliftonStrengths to partner with

The Analytical® strength brings a powerful ability to delve into data, discern patterns, and draw logical conclusions. To balance its potential blind spots and enhance overall effectiveness, partnering with complementary CliftonStrengths can create a more sensitive and balanced approach. Here are some strengths that pair well with Analytical®, along with how they can mitigate its blind spots:

1. Empathy®

Why it works: Empathy® brings the ability to sense the feelings and perspectives of others. This strength can help Analytical® individuals become more attuned to the human elements that data alone might miss.

Benefits:

Enhances your emotional intelligence, helping to balance data-driven decisions with sensitivity to team members’ emotions.
Fosters stronger interpersonal relationships, making it easier to build consensus and collaboration.

Example: During a project review, an Empathy® partner can highlight team concerns and emotional responses, ensuring that decisions consider both data and human impact.

2. Communication®

Why it works: Communication® is about expressing ideas clearly and effectively. It helps your Analytical® strengths in translating complex data into understandable and engaging narratives.

Benefits:

Simplifies technical language and data-heavy explanations, making information more accessible to a wider audience.
Enhances storytelling, making data insights more compelling and relatable.

Example: In a presentation, a Communication® partner can help distil intricate data points into key messages that resonate with non-technical stakeholders.

3. Strategic®

Why it works: Strategic® involves seeing patterns where others see complexity. Often simplifying things (and often doing this to too great an extent! Everything has blind spots!) This strength helps the Analytical-led person in envisioning long-term goals and aligning detailed analysis with broader objectives.

Benefits:

Maintains focus on the big picture, ensuring that detailed Analytical® work supports overarching strategies.
Provides direction, helping to prioritize data analysis efforts based on long-term goals.

Example: When planning a new initiative, a Strategic® partner can outline the vision and ensure that Analytical® insights are aligned with future aspirations.

4. Activator®

Why it works: Activator® as a strength is about turning thoughts into action. It helps counter the paralysis by analysis that Analytical® individuals might experience.

Benefits:

Encourages timely decision-making, ensuring that analysis leads to actionable outcomes.
Drives momentum, helping teams move forward without getting bogged down in excessive data scrutiny.

Example: During project planning, an Activator® partner can set clear deadlines for decision-making, ensuring that Analytical® insights lead to prompt actions.

5. Harmony®

Why it works: Harmony® seeks consensus and cooperation. This strength can help navigate the scepticism that Analytical® individuals might exhibit.

Benefits:

Fosters a collaborative environment, reducing friction caused by scepticism or data-driven critiques.
Balances Analytical® rigor with the need for team cohesion and agreement.

Example: In team discussions, a Harmony® partner can mediate between different viewpoints, ensuring that Analytical® critiques are constructive and lead to consensus.

6. Positivity®

Why it works: Positivity® brings enthusiasm and optimism. It helps mitigate the potential cynicism that can accompany a strong Analytical® approach.

Benefits:

Infuses a positive outlook, encouraging a balanced view that considers both data and potential.
Motivates teams, balancing Analytical® scrutiny with encouragement and support.

Example: In brainstorming sessions, a Positivity® partner can highlight the potential and opportunities in new ideas, ensuring that Analytical® scepticism doesn’t dampen innovation.

7. Adaptability®

Why it works: Adaptability® is about staying flexible and responding well to change. This strength helps Analytical® individuals remain agile in dynamic environments.

Benefits:

Promotes flexibility, ensuring that data analysis adapts to changing circumstances and new information.
Encourages a responsive approach, balancing thorough analysis with the ability to pivot as needed.

Example: During project implementation, an Adaptability® partner can help navigate unexpected changes, ensuring that Analytical® plans remain relevant and effective.

Conclusion

Analytical® creates blind spots for those with it high in their profile. These can hinder both personal and professional growth if not managed. In the first part we’ve explored 5 common blind spots, what this looks like, as well as offering two mitigation strategies for each blind spot. Partnering your Analytical® with other CliftonStrengths can enhance both individual and team performance. Indeed you may have one of these at the op of your profile. If so, intentional consideration of your thoughts and (in)actions strength-by-strength might support you in navigating your way forward.

We’ve explored Empathy®, Communication®, Strategic®, Activator®, Harmony®, Positivity®, and Adaptability®. Each of these bring unique benefits that address potential blind spots of Analytical®. By fostering collaboration with those who possess these strengths, can help you achieve a more balanced, effective, and holistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making. This synergy not only maximizes the potential of your Analytical® strength but also creates a more cohesive and dynamic working environment.

Why not visit our Powerful Strengths Facebook group and share how you leverage your Analytical® and keep it in a productive phase?