Recognizing Your Strengths and Super-Powers

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How do you describe your job?  Your strengths?  Your super-powers?  My "day-job" is consulting.  You could say I'm a "process consultant," but given my adoration of the Agile Manifesto, I would rather be thought of as a "individuals and interactions consultant."  And I must say, my coworkers are awesome people.  No, not just people--talent.  Awesome talent.  Three of us were met for drinks and were talking about the challenges we face as consultants and how we use our strengths.  One commented on my passion, but really, we are all passionate about our work--that's how we ended up having drinks after work.  We seek people out who will make us better and keep us accountable.  Those who may be the yin to our yang.  I think of them as my partners in crime, my allies for change.  In order to work together effectively, it is helpful to know our strengths and super-powers.

According to Tom Rath's StrengthsFinder 2.0, my strengths are Input, Intellection, Deliberative, Restorative, and Futuristic.  I consume information, appreciate intellectual discussions, envision the future, anticipate obstacles, and am adept at solving problems.  Part of this explains why I have started a blog.  

But when I think about my super-powers, I think of Rainbow Brite.  Rainbow Brite was a regular girl who became responsible for the colors on Earth.  She eradicates the darkness and shadows.  I shed light on ugly practices and behaviors, build strong teams from groups of individuals, and in a sense, create an environment for magic to take place.  I look for others to help in these endeavors--other Color Kids, you could say.

How do you describe yourself?

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard helps overwhelmed technical leaders debug their management approach. She teaches them how to manage up, support people through change, and make time for strategic work. Her education in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University helps her connect technical work with people management. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Allison focuses on improving product delivery and leadership culture. Her experience includes work in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries. Allison regularly speaks at global conferences like Scrum Gatherings and Agile Alliance's Agile20xx. She promotes women's leadership as the program director for Women in Agile's Mentorship program. When she's not working, Allison likes to drink lattes and listen to Broadway musicals. Allison is a proud glasses wearer and co-owner of Middlegame Partners.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
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