Ashley’s Reviews > Hidden Strengths: Unleashing the Crucial Leadership Skills You Already Have > Status Update

Leading implementation. This category is all about how you get things done, the execution of strategy. Those who quickly climbed the ranks demonstrate a strong ability to execute. One interesting thing we have noticed is that those with strong creativity, innovation, vision skills tend to focus less on the execution and implementation, and vice versa. Strong leaders are able to excel at both categories of skills.

....How you lead the organization into the future, however, is what will distinguish you from your competitors and put you on the path to success.

....Leading the organization. This category of skills has to do with your ideas. What is your vision? How will you deploy it strategically? What level of risk are you willing to assume? Often, this area does not get the attention it should because leaders worry more about the here and now than about the future.

...The thing to remember is that almost all projects are a team effort and results cannot be achieved by one person alone. Relating well to people and managing their expectations and needs are essential parts of the process that cannot be overlooked.

Leading others. This category of skills is about how you relate to others and form strong working relationships. We find that this area can be particularly hard for people who are more results oriented and focused on the end product...

Leading Self. This category covers how you regulate the kind of person you want to be as a leader and a professional. When you know who you are and can control your emotions, you exude a quiet confidence that inspires others. These skills may appear more like natural talents or traits, but they can be learned.

People need to see you consistently demonstrating a skill if they're going to change their minds about what kind of leader you are. Remember that they're always watching you. It might sound creepy, but it's true. In the workplace, “they” includes anyone who has influence on your success, from managers and direct reports to cross functional partners. Every interaction or lack thereof leaves an impression.

Hidden Strengths Development Plan: 1. Find your motivation. 2. Identify your goals. 3. Choose your hidden strengths to develop. 4. Turn your hidden strengths into learned strengths. 5. Evaluate your progress.

Take a look at your hidden strengths, the ones that fall in the middle 70% or so of your skill set. Again look for patterns in the data. What clusters of skills are you seeing? Can you find any clusters related to your ability to leading implementation in your organization? Reflecting on your short and long term professional goals, are there any hidden strengths you should immediately begin developing?

The ratios differ for different people and for different times in their lives. With work life balance you avoid frustrations from your work spilling over into your personal life and vice versa. It's a key to a healthy lifestyle and a sustainable and fulfilling livelihood