Embracing Your Unique Genius
Leveraging Your Strengths in Design
In the world of design, we each bring distinct strengths and skill sets to the table. It’s rare for any designer to excel at every phase of the design process. Some thrive in the curiosity phase, diving deep into research and discussions, while others shine during the creativity phase, generating innovative ideas. Similarly, while some excel at crafting strategies and implementing plans, others may struggle with these aspects. Understanding and respecting our varied strengths, and knowing when to collaborate with others, is crucial for success.
Personally, I find that working with Type A achievers is incredibly effective. They push me out of my head and drive me forward. While I excel in research and ideation, and can break down and act on ideas, I recognize that I can't fully handle every phase of every project alone. I might excel in one aspect of a project but require others to balance and support the process. Partnering with those who are strong in strategy allows me to focus more on the imaginative aspects of my work.
Two tools that have been particularly helpful in understanding and maximizing my strengths are the Gallup StrengthsFinder and the Enneagram. Gallup’s assessment has been invaluable professionally, while the Enneagram has offered significant personal insights. The intersection of these tools provides a comprehensive view of my abilities and tendencies.
According to Gallup, my top five strengths are Maximizer, Input, Intellection, Learner, and Connector. These strengths highlight my strategic thinking capabilities and my ability to connect ideas and people. My role often involves synthesizing diverse pieces of information and maximizing potential outcomes.
In the Enneagram system, I am a Type 5 with a 4 wing. This combination means I am an observer, deeply engaged in the head triad, but with a strong creative inclination from the heart triad. This duality influences how I approach problems and generate ideas.
These tools have profoundly shaped my understanding of how I think, process, and relate to others. For instance, I used to view my slow information processing as a weakness. I often hesitated to contribute in class or meetings, perceiving my slower pace as a disadvantage. However, the Gallup StrengthsFinder revealed that this seemingly slow processing is actually a strength. My deep, thorough absorption of information allows me to integrate new insights with existing knowledge, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding.
This realization marked a significant shift in my perspective. I began to see my slow processing as a strength rather than a weakness, acknowledging that I need more time to learn and reflect compared to others. While I may not generate rapid responses on unfamiliar topics, my familiarity with well-understood subjects allows me to think and respond more swiftly. I now ensure I have ample time to prepare before meetings, allowing me to engage meaningfully with the material.
Adapting to a fast-paced work culture can be challenging, especially when quick decisions are needed. In these situations, I rely on intuition developed through experience. Nevertheless, by demonstrating the value of my approach and the quality of my output when given sufficient time, I’ve found that others are often more accommodating.
We all have different processing styles, and it’s essential to cultivate work environments that respect and accommodate these differences. By embracing our unique strengths and creating space for diverse learning patterns, we can all contribute our best to the collective success.
