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 is a coach, consultant, and trainer who brings the power of relationship systems intelligence to go beyond tasks, roles, and frameworks to create energy for change. She engages with people and teams in a down-to-earth way to build trust and listen for signals to help them learn more and improve. Allison focuses on creating alignment and connection for people to solve business problems together. Her experience includes working with teams and leaders in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries to help improve their project/product delivery and culture. Allison currently volunteers as program director for Women in Agile’s mentorship program. Her agile community focus is championing new voices and amplifying women as mentors and sponsors for the next generation of leaders. Allison earned her bachelor’s degrees in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), a foodie, and proud glasses wearer. Allison is a prolific speaker at professional groups and international conferences, including Scrum Gatherings and the Agile Alliance Agile20xx conferences. Allison is co-owner of Helping Improve LLC.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
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