Strengths Based Development Applicable to all: Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z

La Carte for students, individuals, teams, managers and leaders of all professions of all generations customised to choose from 34 dishes, the Best Five Course meal for you has 33 Million ways of serving these dishes. 

To clarify;

Gallup Strengths-Based Development Programme is applicable;

• ·        to all Generations: Gen X, Y and Z;
• ·        to all professions;
• ·        to students, individuals, teams, managers and leaders;
• ·         has 34 themes: Talents scientifically researched by a Social Scientists Donald Clifton
• ·         taking StrengthsFinder Tests will give sequence of 5 Signature themes in which;
• ·         top 5 ie Signature themes, chances of these five themes appearing in the same sequence for two persons is 1:33 million;
• ·         so far over 15 million have benefited from the programme

In this blog, I will concentrate the platters for the Gen X, Y and Z.

Gen X when compared to Gen Y (millennial), Gen Y are less open to change, low on creativity and adaptability but high on team playing. Gen x are at the level of leaders and managers. Gen X need to understand Gen Y (Millennial) to get the best out of them. Gen Y is more individualistic, they are open to change, and they are creative, adaptable but less on team playing. Therefore, in an environment of today, it is essential for the Gen X to understand the talents of Gen Y individually and lead them to success.

Here are the La Carte for each generation, based of Strengths Based Development.

After taking the StrengthsFinder Tests, professionals of Gen Y, can undergo exercise on Team Playing (PANCHTATVA) which will imbibe in them how to work in a team to achieve the organisational goals. Learn how to prioritise, how to work in diverse environments and how to make a team magnet. They all think that they are the best when they work individually but they are wrong, as they never tried working as part of a collaborative and interdependent team.

“Last three sessions were very impressive. The sessions were on team development. I have realised in my earlier times that I am very unproductive when it comes to working in a team. I am a person who likes to work alone. But these sessions were very helpful in developing an ability in working with colleagues in me. Team development sessions helped me socialise with my team members. I found it very effective in making friends. I now realize that I can be good when it comes to working with multiple member of people”…………. remarked Bernice Easo, one of my students who underwent Ex- PANCHTATVA.

 Gen X, take the StrengthsFinder Test, undergo Team Exercise. Expose their Strengths to all of their subordinates and finally undergo Leadership Exercise (CHAMATKAR) which will make them understand and rehearse in a natural way that how their Five Themes will play dominant role in ushering in an era of trust, compassion, stability and hope. How to leverage the talents of the team to achieve the organisational as well as personal goals of all their employees?

Gen Z, are those born after 1995. Mostly still in colleges and universities and are yet to join the workforce. They are all looking for the job opportunity where there is scope for growth. They want stability in life; striving for a job with full engagement and satisfaction ie they like to enjoy what they work; they prefer flexible work environment; a friendly work environment not a bossy supervisor but a collaborative mentor and of course the best grade of salary. The platter for them is full 45 hours of Personality Development in which they will know who they are; how can they achieve their goals, how to work in a team and how to be a leader who can “ achieve their goals by getting the willing obedience of their collaborative team”. He/she can motivate a group of people to follow him/her willingly. This also aims to improve their communication skills, goal actualisation, listening skills and emotional intelligence.

This week it was presentation on my theme about how I will lead an organisation. Though, it was for one theme, I read about all my five themes and I think I have a fair idea on how to lead a group of people……….Commented Shriyam Srivastava, who attended Ex-CHAMATKAR

This week we learnt about leadership; its importance, components and application. I'm very weak in public speaking but I managed to give the presentation after rehearsing for it. This has really helped me. I'm honestly loving the classes and I hope to learn more from you. I hope you come again. I'm going to miss you, sir. You have helped me to improve…. Commented Meghna Deka on termination of Ex-CHAMATKAR

Contact:   satyssparks@gmail.com, +91 9900073571

Are you afraid of your greatness? Do you know you are a born leader? Leadership: Module 3: Strengths-Based Leadership

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." (Act II, Scene v; although Malvolio says this, he does so while reading from the letter that Maria wrote). William Shakespeare's comedy, Twelfth Night.

In my 43 years of working life with the Indian Army and the United Nations, I learnt only three aspects of leadership which I always carry with me: Lead by Example, Discern the Criticality, and Streak of Ruthlessness. Besides these three, I mostly switched off during the leadership training and lectures. Why was it so boring? Why this subject is so drab? I have discovered the cause. In almost all leadership related training or exercises, we are dealing with the leadership traits, qualities and principles followed by someone else. Never your leadership qualities are discussed. When I went to the primary school, teacher talked about Chhatrpati Shivaji, Bhagat Singh, Jhansi Ki Rani, Maharana Pratap and many more. When I joined Sainik (Military) School, the talks changed to Alexander, Caesar, Hannibal, Napoleon and others. Later in the Military Academies and schools it changed to campaigns by the great warriors and generals. Leadership and Officer like qualities were generally judged on the sports fields. Points were laid down for participations. But nowhere I got an opportunity to know my intrinsic strengths, potential and or values till I took StrengthsFinder Test in August 2015. Then only I realised that I have Learner, Achiever, Strategic, Arranger and Input as my signature themes.

It was a great challenge to me as how to design the exercise on Leadership for the UG students of the Christ University. We made progress on the Environmental Support System of a SMART City… carry forward from PANCHTATVA. The exercise was named as CHAMTKAR (means Miracle). Initially many of my colleagues with whom I discussed this exercise, expressed their reservations that the UG Students will not be able to comprehend leadership.

The exercise started with a very short presentation (Without PPT), on how a leader should bring about the Trust, Compassion, Stability and Hope within his/her team. These were to be achieved by the interplay of his/her Strengths, already discovered during Modules 1 and 2. It took some time to make them understand, but they all caught on. 

The exercise commenced with the Eisenhower Quadrant. Each team was given a long list of relevant to do list including their domestic issues. They were required to put these under logically thought out Quadrants. They did a wonderful job. They understood the utility of the Eisenhower Quadrants.

            The Second and the final part was more challenging, interesting and time consuming. They studied the book “Strengths Based Leadership” by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. They were guided to study the chapters pertaining to their five themes “Leading with Your Strengths”. Later they prepared Charts as how to lead with one of their Signature Themes for achieving Trust, Compassion, Stability and Trust of the team. On the flip side of the chart, they also prepared as how to achieve, above four aspects considering at least one of the themes of a team member. Later each student was give 3 Minutes to present their plans to the class.

Coming back to the greatness, everyone is born great, everyone is a leader provided he/she knows her/his strengths and leverage these to achieve their desired goals.

In conclusion, I would like to present the comments from Students about the Personality Development Programme.

Solomon Joshua

Strategic, Intellection, Learner, Relator, Restorative

Today has been one more day which was added to my stage fear removing process. Already my fears are gone and today was a bonus point added. Also, sir, throughout the class it was so interesting, motivating. I have taken my logical thinking to a whole new level after these sessions.

Simran P Nayak

Includer, Restorative, Woo, Connectedness, Positivity

These days I feel I am connected to this course. It's just not a mere course that the University has made and I'm just doing for the University, but it means a lot to me. Personally, I believe it's the best course one can ever take. Thank you sir, it's you and your enthusiasm which made students like me, like it and love it. There is an improvement in my personality.

Shwetha R

Restorative, Ideation, Relator, Empathy, Responsibility

Thank you so much. Really frankly this was the 1st time I spoke in front of everyone for a long time, people applauded me, and really got to know how a leader is, how to become. You really made me identify my strengths and made my goal more interesting to succeed it.

Shruthi Nair

Includer, Adaptability, Communication, Connectedness, Responsibility

The last week was indeed a productive one. The book Strengths Based Leadership has opened my eyes to quite a few facts about myself based on my five themes. The team I was a part of was also good. And even this week I have made a number of people as my friends. Most importantly, I was able to realise my calibre in terms of Communication.  The environment in class was very calm and supportive.

Shriyam Srivastava

CONNECTEDNESS, HARMONY, ADAPTABILITY, EMPATHY, DELIBERATIVE

This week it was presentation on my theme about how I will lead an organisation. Though, it was for one theme, I read about all my five themes and I think I have a fair idea on how to lead a group of people.

Prinitha VP

Includer, Adaptability, Relator, Restorative, Positivity

I really enjoyed the sessions that we had sir. The sessions were fun and we didn't even feel like we were having education thrust upon us. The best part of this open elective is the team work. That made the learning process actually much more enjoyable. I had a great time with you sir. You are the very first teacher after my family who has actually taught me lessons of life and my strengths. Thank you a lot sir. I assure you that I will follow all your teachings in my life.

Meghna Deka

EMPATHY, ADAPTABILITY, RESTORATIVE, HARMONY, DEVELOPER

This week we learnt about leadership; its importance, components and application. I'm very weak in public speaking but I managed to give the presentation after rehearsing for it. This has really helped me. I'm honestly loving the classes and I hope to learn more from you. You have helped me to improve.

Ayush Param

CONTEXT, ANALYTICAL, INPUT, STRATEGIC, ACTIVATOR

It is impossible to emulate every single commendable quality of every leader ever. Attempting to do so is a fool's errand. I learned this from reading the book we were assigned. The four qualities of Trust, Hope, and Compassion & Stability are vital, but, given my way, I would replace compassion with Justice. I believe that a just leader is more important than a loving or caring leader. Just my personal opinion - I am aware that it is not supported by the data.

Aakriti Shrestha

Restorative, Deliberative, Harmony, Relator, Adaptability

Leadership is one quality I have been longing to achieve. To be honest, I am really weak at public speaking but after this week's session I not only had to speak in front of the people but also was the first speaker. This particular activity taught me to be ready for any challenge at any time. Apart from this week's session overall I have noticed the change in me. I have improved a lot and changed my attitude. Thank you so much sir for everything! I will miss you!

EXERCISE PANCHTATVA: Team Building: Strengths-Based Personality Development Programme

                                                                 The Team

Shriyam Srivastava

CONNECTEDNESS, HARMONY, ADAPTABILITY, EMPATHY, DELIBERATIVE

This week it was team building exercise, due to which I got to learn more about my team members. There was a bonding between all of us which is required in a team. The model of Johari's Window and the activity of delegating tasks really helped in building our team.

Rahul Narsaria

SIGNIFICANCE, COMPETITION, RELATOR, FUTURISTIC, RESPONSIBILITY

Working in a group was fun. I came to know the merits of working on a group. I made new friends and shared our likings and disliking. The task of assigning job according to capabilities was fun. I learnt new things this week and it was a great experience.

Rahul Praveen M

Adaptability, Harmony, Futuristic, Includer, Restorative

I not only understood my personality, but I came to know my team's personality and I am very glad to work with a team like ours. This I came to know how to work how with team on particular matter and also to think with equal to all the mentalities. There are bit changes in me. I am eager to see the improvements in the future days.

Bernice Easo

Harmony, Context, Connectedness, Woo, Maximiser

Last three sessions were very impressive. The sessions were on team development. I have realised in my earlier times that I am very unproductive when it comes to working in a team. I am a person who likes to work alone. But these sessions were very helpful in developing an ability in working with colleagues in me. Team development sessions helped me socialise with my team members. I found it very effective in making friends. I now realize that I can be good when it comes to working with multiple member of people.

Angeliya C.U. Udayan

Arranger, Input, Individualization, Responsibility, Achiever

Last few days were the most wonderful part of the programme. Doing a presentation about me and a teammate, initially I had tension what I would say how… But after opening up in front of the audience I felt great. Relieved. It was a new experience. I am happy. Thank you sir for this beautiful times you have gifted us.

Above comments from participants have been limited to five due to space and this post not becoming lengthy. All the participants understood: the Team.

A total of 32 Students attended the Exercise: PANCHTATV (meaning five elements).  The exercise was conceived in the backdrop of a SMART City. They formed part of an organisation called Environment Support System. The group was divided into 8 teams; namely: two each of Executive, Influencing, Relationship Building and Strategic Thinking. The nominated Team Leaders (as per their domains) selected the talents based on the domains of 32 students. 8 Teams of 4 each were organised. The talent selections were done based on two major factors ie Firstly, Domains of Participants and Secondly, choice of the participants.

PANCHTAVA involved:

1.      Determining and evaluating the Strengths of the Team in consultation with each member of the team;

1.       Working on Powerful Partnership;

1.       Working on Johari’s Window was quite challenging and educative for the team. Members of the team drew the four areas ie Open Area, Blind Spot, Hidden Area, and Unknown Areas. The first drawing was based on just Five Signature Themes. The Open Area increased after they included Values in the open areas. Participants were given 60 Minutes to talk to each other and find out 10 more aspects about each other. When knew 20 aspects, the Open Area increased to its widest and others diminished. This culminated into a presentation by each student; they were to speak one minute on themselves and one minute on any one of their team members.

1.       The exercise went on to delegation/determining the responsibility of each member---according to Strengths and concurrence of members.

1.       The culmination was by a physical demonstration of an Interdependent Team.

To conclude, the young mind of 32 students grasped the basic five elements of an interdependent team ie Team will always be focussed on results, Importance of Prioritising, Committed to Personal Life and Work, Embrace Diversity and how a team becomes Magnet of Talents.

STRENGTHS-BASED PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: FIRST: KNOW YOUR POTENTIAL

This is a unique and very powerful programme for the Personality Development for students and corporate leaders, managers and employees. There are existing programmes for the Strengths-Based Education and Career options for students. For the corporates there are programmes for the Leaders, Managers and Employees: covering the aspects like Talent Selection, Delegation, Talent Management, Employees’ Engagement and Employees’ Development. But there is no tailored made programme for the Strengths-Based Personality Development.

This idea came to me when one of universities requested me to carry out Personality Development Programme for their students. The format suggested was to take lectures or whatever be the programme for 60 to 70 students at a time------ more like motivational lectures. I refused to run such a programme. This triggered me to think about a Strengths-Based Personality Development Programme.

I conceived this programme in FOUR MODULES.  I conducted this programme for the students of the Christ University, Bangalore, India. To begin with, there were 35 Students out of these 27 Students completed the Programme and benefitted

Module 1 is eight hours programme called Individualised Strengths Based Development.

   The first part of the Programme was to “Know and Understand Yourself” what in the Gallup Strengths term called “Name it” and “Claim It”. It involved taking the Strengths Finder Test. It was done in the University Computer Lab. One of the students who took the test and attended the programme was a final year Under Graduate Psychology Student. After the test, he told me that he was very careful in taking the test lest his knowledge of psychology would have impacted his answers. But I suppose in 20 seconds he would have had very little time to think and his psychology background would not have influenced his responses. His five signature themes were:  ADAPTABILITY, RESTORATIVE, RESPONSIBILITY, STRATEGIC, SELF – ASSURANCE and after 6 hours (out of planned 8 hours) of sessions he commented, to quote “My behaviours and my actions have changed. Every action I take is to better myself. I have got more stable with my emotions and inner conflict don't really seen like conflict anymore. I am able to see things/situations/problems clearly and from all the angles. Although, I need to learn to tend to important & urgent works first. I got carried away by an unimportant things like a TV serial instead of focussing on the assignment. Otherwise I would have got much better at interpersonal skills.”

         During the next part of this Module, students went through the exercise of determining their Theme Dynamics, Theme Insight, reading and highlighting words and sentences resonating them from the Gallup Theme Insight Report. Followed by audio video presentation on all 34 themes. The high point of this part was when, they were requested to select their values from the value cards. Each student was given a set of 28 Value cards and they were asked to select their 5 Core Values. Most of them thought that all the 28 values belong to them. But gradually by sort listing, finally they came to their Five Core Values. When, they matched their values with Signature Themes, I asked them to draw their values. They were given a white sheet of paper with a set of coloured sketch pens. Many of them were confused or did not understand and they wanted hints from me. I did not give any hint, just repeated several times ‘”Draw Your Values”. 60 Minutes were given to them. Many of them had not done any drawing, may be after their primary schools but finally they all drew their values.  Each one was given one minute to explain their drawing of their values by presenting to the entire class. For many, it was their first chance of knowing their values and public speaking. One student asked me “Sir, please tell my father that I have values. He thinks I have no values”.

What students wrote about learning their values were very encouraging to me as facilitator and coach.

One student whose signature themes are EMPATHY, ADAPTABILITY, RESTORATIVE, HARMONY, DEVELOPER, wrote “this class has helped me figuring out my strengths and core values which will help me achieve my potential. I'm keen on finding out the areas I need to work upon and turn them into my strengths. I'm going to try out on completing all that I've written today”

       This module culminated with the Students knowing their domains and choosing their action points. One of the students whose signature themes are CONNECTEDNESS, HARMONY, ADAPTABILITY, EMPATHY, DELIBERATIVE, wrote:

“Since last week, I have started discovering new things about my personality, my approach to a situation and also my thought process. For this week I have given myself a set of tasks that I will start implementing and I hope to achieve them in every way”.

    Likewise, I can go on narrating my experiences of running this module with the overall aim to use the strengths to develop the personality of students. The basic concept is based on the positive fact that one must know his/her potential prior to developing oneself. How can anyone develop himself/herself or even a coach or a mentor develop a person without knowing as to what are the potential of the person whom they are to develop?

Other Modules in the Next Blog.