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A Look at Activator

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

CliftonStrengths

 This week, our guest blogger is Hannah Miller. Hannah works for the TeamMates Central Office, where she serves as the Recruiting and Marketing Coordinator. Her top 5 Strengths are Positivity, Woo, Activator, Restorative, and Empathy. Here is what Activator looks like for Hannah:

I’ve always seen impatience as a weakness. Growing up, my mom would laugh “You’re so impatient! You’re just like your father!”. When I learned I had Activator as my #3 strength, a lightbulb clicked. Impatience is something I excel at, and I couldn’t be more proud.

For the record, my dad also has Activator in his top 5—THANKS DAD!

            If I were to give my Activator a catch phrase, it would be: “Are ya ready yet?”. I love action. I don’t like to sit around and procrastinate. In fact, I’m writing this blog post about a month before it’s due. People have often called me ‘speedy’ or ‘efficient’. I don’t like to wait to get something started, especially if it’s something that excites me.

If you’ve ever met me, I’m sure you’ve spotted it by the way I talk or the way I answer emails immediately, but the best example of my Activator strength would be the way I planned my wedding. My wonderful husband proposed Aug. 3, 2015. The second I finished crying, called my friends and family, and played with my new puppy (yes, there was a puppy), my Activator strength took the reins. In three days I booked the venue, hair, makeup, bridesmaids, maids of honor, guitarist, singer, music, DJ, photographer, videographer, dress appointments, colors and minister. (To be fair, the minister was my dad).

When I’m excited about something, there’s no stopping me. My mind is consumed with how I can efficiently put something together, and I can’t concentrate on anything else until I’ve reached a solid stopping point. I’m the Energizer Bunny and Joy from Inside Out combined into one action-packed 26-year-old. Did I mention I lead with Positivity? I use a lot of fast-moving jazz hands.

Does that mean everything I start gets done? Absolutely not. Sometimes it takes my dear coworker, Steph, to remind me I started something because when the next fun idea comes along, I’M ON IT! Steph leads with Achiever, so her awesome strength keeps me on track.

I’m sure Activators can rub some people the wrong way because we’re positively impatient, but it’s always great to remember how beneficial we are. If you’re someone who tends to procrastinate or maybe doesn’t have the time to get a project started, give it to us! Most of us are waiting for action and excitement, you just have to ask!


So— are ya ready yet?
-Hannah

If you are interested in guest blogging about one of your Top 5 StrengthsFinder themes this school year, please email Tess at tstarman@teammates.org
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