TRUE STORY: A team, who was not a client at the time, took the CliftonStrengths assessment and were in the early stages of gaining new insights into themselves and each other. The assessment identifies 34 strengths that one possesses from a greater to a lesser degree. Embarking on a strengths journey includes the realization of who you are and who you are not and that both are okay. It's about appreciating what makes you YOU. A team member whom I'll call Marie confided her experience to me. Marie was excited to learn more about what makes her unique including her talent of Positivity. Her manager pulled her aside and warned her to NEVER disclose that Positivity is in her top 5. He went on to say that people will get the wrong idea about her and won't take her seriously.
Delving into strengths earnestly includes understanding that each of us struggles with blind spots, strengths in overuse and underuse, and that our strengths have "needs" that when unmet get triggered. Frustration is most often the feeling associated with being triggered. Coworkers learn what they can count on each other for, what they can lean into each other for. It's this shift into interdependence where the magic begins to happen! Work joy, proactivity, and team connection increase. Productivity goes up significantly. There's research to back this up, Folks!
I'm sure that this manager's actions were well-intentioned. He likely saw exceptional qualities in Marie and didn't want this "label" to hold her back. Perhaps the manager could not relate to this strength, meaning it's likely in his blind spot. Or perhaps he's known someone whom he perceived to have this raw (undeveloped) talent and it rubbed him the wrong way.
Gallup defines those who are exceptionally talented in Positivity as having an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do. Aligned in the relationship-building domain, people want to be around those with Positivity. If Positivity is high for you, you probably find ways to lighten other's spirits. You celebrate achievements. You find ways to make everything more exciting and more vital. You make work fun.
When asked how she felt, Marie listed confused, rejected, disheartened. Have you ever been told to not be yourself? Have you ever told an employee to downplay an aspect of themselves? What would more Positivity do for your team, right NOW?