Finding and Following Your Strength Path Presented by Lisa Rees

My Story 29-year federal career Focused in finance and budget After 24 years moved into a different area Last October by Division was abolished Time to take action!

Book/Video Finding Your Strength by Marcus Buckingham, Gallup Organization

Your Personal Reflections ________________________________________

Five Pieces of Advice Number 1 - Performance is always the point Your organization doesn’t care about your strengths You need to know yourself to stay on your strengths path

Take Your Interests Seriously What part of your job really intrigues you? Hobbies Reading People

Five Pieces of Advice Number 2 – Your strengths aren’t what you’re good at, and your weakness aren’t what you’re bad at Assignment – For a week, keep a pad with you and write down anytime you do something that makes you feel energized. Create your Strength Statement. Pick a verb, drill down to specifics, and feel it!

Five Pieces of Advice Number 3 – When it comes to your job, the “What” always trumps the “Why” and the “Who” People join an organization because of the “why”, stay because of the “who” and quit because of the “what”.

Five Pieces of Advice Number 4 – You’ll never find the perfect job Assignment: Every week write your Strong Week Plan.

Five Pieces of Advice Number 5 – You’ll never turn your weaknesses into strengths Neutralize them Stop doing it Partner up Sharpen your strengths Look at your weakness through on of your strengths

Five Directions to Avoid Always treat people as you would want to be treated There is no I in team You should work on your weaknesses Push yourself beyond your comfort zone Your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness

What I Learned I wasn’t working in my area of strength I was unhappy because I was always doing assignments that made me weak I started doing things that made me feel strong outside of my job I feel strong now so I can follow my dream

What Is Your Plan of Action? Observe and record times when you feel strong and weak Develop your strength statements Make a weekly “Strength Plan” Find ways to infuse your strengths into your life – both on and off the job

THANK YOU! Need some help writing your Strength Statement? E-mail me at lisa.t.rees@uscis.dhs.gov