In the dynamic realm of project management, harnessing personal strengths can be the difference between merely executing tasks and driving transformative change. One of my top 5 Clifton Strengths is Activator. Let’s explore how embracing the Activator mindset can invigorate your project management approach and inspire your team towards unparalleled success.
Tracking Triumphs
Activators thrive on action and momentum. They understand the importance of tracking their activities and accomplishments, not just to measure progress but to gain insights into their effectiveness. By meticulously jotting down what they’ve started and what they’ve achieved, Activators gain clarity on their journey towards project milestones. This self-awareness fuels motivation and propels them forward, even in the face of setbacks.
When managing projects, Activators automatically track what gets started, check the progress, and what got done. They have lists of these action trackers for themselves, for 1:1 meetings with stakeholders, for team meetings, working groups, project teams, and even steering committees! For big and complex projects, these action trackers go from being lists to dashboards.
Embracing the Try-and-Fail Approach
New projects and responsibilities can be daunting, but for Activators, they represent opportunities for growth. They’re comfortable with the try-and-fail approach, recognizing that each misstep brings valuable lessons. By documenting what works and what doesn’t, Activators create a roadmap for success, embracing development as a continuous process rather than a destination.
In the context of projects, when Activators face blockers to progress, they find a detour by taking some smaller, imperfect action to get closer to the goal. That imperfect action, done right away, cuts through barriers and frustration. This is strategic execution. Stakeholders are then faced with the next decision to be made; the team has taken another step in project delivery.
Building Partnerships and Finding Purpose
Activators excel at translating ideas into action. They’re adept at picking up on innovative concepts and rallying their team towards execution. By fostering a culture of proactive initiative, Activator managers break down barriers and empower their team to drive meaningful change. They recognize the importance of making individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, fueling engagement and trust within the team.
Someone else may come up with the idea but lack the energy to take action. Activators make good partners to get it done right away. Why can’t we do it now? Activators cut through the talk by taking action, and in so doing, builds momentum for the team.
Fostering a Culture of Trust
Empowerment lies at the heart of building trust within a team. Activator managers delegate responsibilities and encourage team members to take ownership of their work. By empowering individuals to solve problems and pursue their ideas, Activators cultivate a sense of confidence and autonomy, fostering a cohesive team dynamic built on mutual respect and collaboration. In the context of leading projects, Activators can breakdown work and delegate responsibility to working groups.
Promoting Immediate Execution
To promote a culture of proactive initiation and immediate execution, Activator PM lead by example. They ask themselves, “Am I moving swiftly enough, and if not, why?” By embracing failure as a natural part of the process and encouraging their team to do the same, Activators foster an environment where innovation thrives, and progress is inevitable.
In conclusion, the Activator strength transcends mere project management—it’s a philosophy that drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and inspires growth. By harnessing the power of Activator strengths, PMs can ignite a spark within their team, propelling them towards excellence and achieving remarkable results. So, let’s embrace the Activator within and embark on a journey of boundless possibilities.
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