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A Look at Competition

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People exceptionally talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.
CliftonStrengths



This week, our guest blogger is Sarah Waldman. Sarah has been a mentor in the Omaha Public Schools chapter for 12 years. She has served on our program-wide TeamMates Board, and just this year, she took on the role of Executive Director for our organization. Sarah’s top 5 Strengths are Strategic, Maximizer, Achiever, Competition, and Individualization. Here is what Competition looks like for Sarah:




I still remember the day I received the results.  It was about 13 years ago during a leadership program for women at Gallup.  I remember thinking, “Competition . . . really, that’s a strength?”  I was proud of my other top strengths and felt an immediate connection to them – I claimed them.  Competition took a while longer to appreciate.

As I think back to my younger years, I can see how some might think I was competitive.  Being the fastest girl in my class, reading the most books over summer break and making the all-star softball team were very important to me in the 4th grade.  If there was a prize to win or a medal to earn, I was first in line to give it my best shot.  Competition helped me do things I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.   

There were also times when having Competition as a strength was not so nice.  I sometimes stomped off during board games with my sisters if it looked like I wasn’t going to win.  I gave up too easily on things that didn’t come naturally.  I spent more time than I care to admit wondering how I’m measuring up and trying to prove myself.  For me, Competition has never been a “win at all costs” kind of thing.  It’s about knowing how I’m doing, especially compared to the high bar I think I should be able to achieve. 
                         
After years of learning and living with my strengths, I have grown to appreciate my Competition.  Today, it’s about being a better person than I was yesterday.  It’s about being a better wife and mother for my family, a better friend to my neighbors and a better leader for TeamMates.  It’s about a walk to the car with my hubby that turns into a comical speed-walking race because, yes, we’re both competitive. 

Combined with Strategic and Maximizer, Competition feels like my super power.  It motivates me to look for ways to continuously improve an already strong team to have an even bigger impact on our world.  I’m grateful to be part of an organization that celebrates strengths and gives me the opportunity to feed my strengths with new challenges and amazing opportunities to learn and grow.   

A few years ago, during a “bring your child to work” event, one of the kids asked me what I plan to do once I retire.  I responded that I don’t think I’ll ever retire.  Setting goals and finding a way to accomplish them is air for me.  There will always be more to do. 
My mom likes to say I’m her over-achiever.  To borrow a phrase from one of my favorite strengths coaches, I’m uniquely awesome me.          
-Sarah  


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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