This Gallup "Theme Thursday" webcast focuses on the CliftonStrengths theme "Input," exploring its definition, practical applications, and interactions with other themes. The hosts discuss how "Input" manifests in individuals, particularly through information acquisition and resourcefulness, and how it contributes to personal and professional success.
Definition of Input: Input is the awareness and acquisition of resources (information, tools, etc.) that have utility and lead to productive resourcefulness. Individuals with this theme see value in diverse resources and are adept at utilizing them.
Manifestations of Input: Input manifests in various ways, including acquiring books, articles, websites, apps, tools, and even social connections. The speaker Steven Shields exemplifies this by collecting various resources for professional and personal growth.
Input and Other Themes: Input frequently pairs with Intellection (strategic thinking) and, surprisingly, Self-Assurance. It's less likely to pair with Self-Assurance due to statistical reasons rather than inherent incompatibility. Themes like Learner and Maximizer intensify Input; Discipline and Focus moderate or manage it.
Practical Applications: The speaker shares personal anecdotes showcasing how Input has facilitated career progression and problem-solving. He emphasizes the importance of actively using acquired information ("active reader") and customizing its application to different contexts.
Resource Management: The discussion includes strategies for managing Input, such as using technology for efficient organization and prioritizing resources based on utility and goals. The challenges of over-acquisition (the "basement" of Maximizer) and the importance of intentional application are highlighted.
Here are the answers based solely on the provided transcript:
Beyond books and articles, Steven Shields uses Input in his professional life by: (a) acquiring and applying knowledge from various sources to adapt to different roles within USA Today (customer service, technology, data analysis, marketing, operations, and eventually management consulting); (b) leveraging his extensive knowledge base to deliver engaging and relevant presentations to clients; (c) utilizing his knowledge of diverse information sources to help others (clients, friends) and (d) connecting with former colleagues via social media, demonstrating a resourceful use of networking.
Steven Shields uses several strategies to organize and access information: (a) Utilizing the searchability of digital platforms (computers, Kindles) to easily locate specific information; (b) associating information with emotions and values to aid memory recall; (c) actively using information in presentations, thereby reinforcing memory and utility; and (d) subscribing to executive book reviews and leveraging recommendations from his extensive Facebook network.
The combination of Input and Maximizer helps Steven Shields by enabling him to acquire and apply extensive knowledge effectively to multiple contexts. However, it also hinders him by leading to perfectionism ("basement" of Maximizer) where he attempts to become an expert in every topic before assisting clients, rather than focusing on becoming competent enough to provide immediate help. For example, when encountering a new field, he may initially prioritize becoming an expert in it before actually applying the knowledge to help his clients.
In the context of Input, the "balcony" of the Maximizer theme represents the productive application of acquired information to multiple areas, such as creating separate notes for personal use, church improvement, and client assistance (as exemplified by his work with Jim Collins' books). The "basement," on the other hand, signifies unproductive applications, such as becoming overly focused on information acquisition to the point of perfectionism or delaying action due to a pursuit of expertise, thus hindering the effective use of information. The distinction lies in whether the information gathered is purposefully applied to solve problems or achieve goals, or whether it is collected to an excessive degree without practical application.
