Command: Leading with Presence

Are you experienced as bossy, opinionated, a "lover of conflict"? Then you might have the talent theme of Command as one of your signature themes.

Here's how Catherine explains her Command theme: "Command is in my top ten. It is a strong naturally occurring pattern for me, although I don't think I have built it into a strength. Even in school this talent theme showed up as I was always the one who took the leadership role in group activities. At work, now, I am the one who is labeled opinionated, the one who speaks up. I enjoy debates and never shy away from confrontation, unless directed not to. And when I am directed not to (my boss has harmony and consistency/fairness in his top five so this happens a lot) I feel thwarted. It feels wrong for me to just let things go. So, if I have to let them go, I really let them go. I detach nearly completely. I think people with a strong sense of Command like to be in charge and if/when we are not able to take the reigns, we yield totally until we find a place where we can take charge. It is an interesting contradiction. I used to always just say, "I am the oldest of seven--I'm bossy!" but now I know that this natural urge within me is my Command talent. It helps to view it as a talent and potential strength.”

Mattias says: “Command has helped me in many ways in my life and I would not want to miss it. Most importantly, it has given me the courage to reach out for help and advise (including people higher up in the hierarchy, or strangers in other companies) and to ask for what I need. In my career, I have often openly pursued my career objectives, I believe this has helped me a lot. I used to think that this is normal until my Strengths "epiphany", and ever since I realize how many people can not bring themselves to spell out what they want or to ask other people for help.”

Jasmine says: “In living in connection with my Command strength, I have gained confidence, empowerment, and focus to be honest and direct while moving forward in my life and accomplishments.”

We might experience Command very negative, but if we start to see how this talent can help us in our team, we can learn to appreciate the people that have to live with it.

Source: www.linkedin.com The StrengthsFinder Group

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