The CliftonStrength of Activator is all about turning ideas into reality and taking action. People with this Strength have a natural drive to get things moving. They thrive in environments where things are constantly evolving, and they enjoy pushing projects forward. For them, the best way to learn or solve problems isn’t by talking or thinking, it’s by diving in and doing. Keep reading to find out why having this Strength is an invaluable asset at the workplace.
What It Means to Have the Activator Strength
An individual with the Activator Theme is someone who doesn’t wait for things to happen, they make things happen. Once a decision is made, they’re on the move. While others might spend time overthinking or debating, they are already figuring out the next steps. For them, action is the quickest way to figure out if something works, and they don’t mind making mistakes along the way because each action brings new learning.
If you have this Strength, you likely prefer situations where you can be in control of decisions and can quickly start acting on them. You’re energized by making things happen, and that energy is contagious, it gets others moving too. But at the same time, it’s not just about doing things for the sake of doing them; it’s about moving things forward with purpose and intent.
How to Leverage Your Activator Strength in the Workplace
Find Opportunities to Take the Lead
To really thrive, look for roles or projects where you can take ownership of decisions and move things forward without being bogged down by too much bureaucracy. Startup environments or projects in need of a turnaround are ideal for someone with this Theme because they give you the freedom to act quickly and make an immediate impact.
Keep the Energy High
You excel in high-energy environments where things are constantly changing. By putting yourself in situations where momentum is required, you naturally drive the pace of work, and your enthusiasm can inspire others to follow suit. The faster the tempo, the more energized you become, and this energy can help rally your team to stay engaged and focused.
Be the Catalyst in Group Settings
When you’re part of a team, take on the role of pushing the group to take action. It’s not enough to just discuss ideas, you’ll often find yourself asking for concrete action items before meetings wrap up. Your drive can be what helps move a team from endless discussion to actual implementation. This is especially valuable when teams tend to get bogged down in analysis or planning without moving forward.
Track and Act on Insights
As you gather insights or ideas, it’s important to jot them down immediately so you can act on them at the right time. Whether it’s during a meeting or in your personal time, capturing these insights ensures you don’t forget them and can apply them when the situation calls for it.
Be Mindful of How You Come Across
Because you’re so action-oriented, it’s easy for others to perceive you as impatient or overly eager. Recognize that your intensity might overwhelm some people, so it’s important to explain why you’re pushing for action. Instead of being seen as someone who jumps in without thinking (“ready, fire, aim”), you can build understanding by making your reasoning clear. This helps others see you as a driver of progress rather than someone who’s rushing to move too quickly.
Provide Purpose, Not Just Activity
Avoid the temptation to do things for the sake of being busy. If you want others to follow your lead or join you in a project, make sure they understand the purpose behind the actions you’re asking for. When you connect tasks to a bigger goal or vision, people are more likely to get on board and stay motivated.
How Daire 2 Succeed Can Help
At Daire 2 Succeed, we’re passionate about helping organizations and individuals unlock their full potential, and we believe the Activator Strength plays a crucial role in that journey. For those with the Activator Strength, this vision aligns perfectly with your innate ability to drive change and build momentum. They excel at initiating action, making decisions, and pushing teams forward and that’s exactly the kind of energy we nurture at Daire 2 Succeed. We believe that when individuals use their Strengths (like the Activator), paired with a strong focus on well-being, they can create cultures of innovation, efficiency, and fulfillment.
Want More Tips on Activating Action?
If you’re looking for practical tips on how to use your Activator Strength to energize your team and drive results, check out episode 4 of our Maximize Your Strengths podcast. Leadership coach Diana Gabriel, who has Activator in her top 5 Strengths herself, shares her insights on how to turn your action-oriented mindset into a powerful tool for leadership and team success.
