Activator: The Catalyst

People exceptionally talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning their thoughts into action. They are often impatient.

Clifton StrengthsFinder

The currency of someone high in Activator is action. While they may see thinking, pondering, and brainstorming as important, these things pale in comparison to actually doing. Summed up in a phrase, Activators believe, “actions speak louder than words”. Activators like to start before a decision is even made. Those high in this theme are valuable on a team due to their catalyst-like mindset; they can get a bogged-down group out of their thoughts and into productivity.

Some people may see those with high Activator as “ready-aim-fire” people who don’t think through decisions. In actuality, those high in Activator see thinking as synonymous with doing. They live by trial and error. As the full Activator theme description says, “How can you grow if you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe you can’t. You must put yourself out there. You must take the next step. It is the only way to keep your thinking fresh and informed.”

8.7% of our mentees and 12.6% of mentors have the Activator theme in their Top 5. One of the greatest gifts you can give to your mentee is the power and language to help others understand their strengths. A student with Activator may seem restless, unfocused, and might irritate a teacher. Help equip your mentee with the language to communicate their strength to their teacher, parent, or friend. Your mentee high in Activator might be a kinesthetic learner; they could explain that they learn better when they have something in their hands to fiddle with during class. It might mean trying new study techniques, like tossing a ball back and forth when reviewing material for a test. By helping your mentee gain insight into this theme, you’re not only giving them tools to communicate this theme to those around them, you’re also helping them further understand their uniquely awesome self.

-Tess

(Image Credit: Strengths School)

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