Inate Talent and Strengths for Jobs

CORE STRENGTHS
These “signature strengths,” as Seligman calls them, and “natural talents,” as Buckingham and Clifton call them, are with us from birth, show up young in childhood (to the observing eye), and continue with us throughout our life. They may be subdued, unnoticed, overlook, or even bring down, in this world where the press has been to be “well-rounded,” but they will always be there, popping up at joyful moments, beckoning to be acknowledged, calling our name.

When we are inquired to do something we have never done before, and take to it like a duck to water, or when we do something so well we think everyone else can, they just are not, or when someone observe us do something and says not, “How did she learn to do that?” but rather, “Where did that come from?” we’re tapping into an innate strength. The way we feel when we survey Tiger Woods play golf, but these are not physical traits.

INNATE STRENGTHS OPERATIONALIZED

So what does this look like in real life?

No strength leads to any particular job, nor does any job or occupation necessarily need any certain strength, but I think I met a future manager, therapist, theoretician or strategist this afternoon, if he stays with his strengths.