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Why are we so quick to see our shortcomings and not our gifts?

As Thanksgiving approaches here in the U.S., I’m even more excited than usual, which is pretty darn excited because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Great food, family time, football, no gift hassles – what’s not to like?

We are all intuitively aware of what we don’t do, and we admire people who can do those things. So, initially, people who seem opposite from us can be incredibly attractive. This is especially true for people with a Perceptual Style that is opposite of yours. There are three of these Perceptual Style combinations – Activity & Methods, Adjustments & Vision, and Flow & Goals.

This article builds on our “Getting to Know You” series to explore how strengths-based hiring improves role alignment and leadership outcomes. This is my fourth blog in a series of six discussing the challenge of finding and mentoring the right people for our organizations. The interview process is a combination of art and science and often comes down to our gut feeling about someone.  The long-drawn-out question and answer process of interviews can be tedious, and it can also leave you with inconclusive results.  I discussed my views on this subject in a blog titled “Getting to Know You…” published this past May, in the blog titled “Getting to Know You too..” published this past July and in the blog titled “Getting to Know You .... Also” published this past October. 

You should!  Your perception creates your view of reality. Your perception is what forges your natural strengths and determines how you show up in the world. It’s what drives your relationships, influencing who the people are you enjoy and the ones you can’t stand!

This is my third blog in a series of six discussing the challenge of finding and mentoring the right people for our organizations. The interview process is a combination of art and science and often comes down to our gut feeling about someone.  The long-drawn-out question and answer process of interviews can be tedious, and it can also leave you with inconclusive results.  I discussed my views on this subject in a blog titled “Getting to Know You…” published this past May as well as in the blog titled “Getting to Know You too..” published this past July. 

“So, all this is very interesting, but is there a practical application?”

Lynda-Ross and I have been asked that question so often over the years that we have truly lost count. Even though people have an overwhelmingly positive experience in our “Introduction to Perceptual Style” workshops, it’s a challenge for some folks to know how to apply what they’ve learned in their daily lives.

After 40+ years in business, I can say with certainty that many things have changed, not the least of which is technology.  But one thing that hasn’t changed much is the challenge of finding and mentoring the right people for our organizations.  The interview process is a combination of art and science and often comes down to our gut feeling about someone.  The long-drawn-out question and answer process of interviews can be tedious, and it can also leave you with inconclusive results.  I discussed my views on this subject in a blog titled “Getting to Know You…” published this past May. 

When you take our Perceptual Style Assessment (PSA), your results arrive in an action guide titled Celebrate You. We chose that title very carefully – it reflects the joy and excitement people experience when introduced to the concepts of Perceptual Style Theory (PST) and their PSA results.

I spent two days this week in the hospital with my sister. One of her hips got old before its time and just completely wore itself out. So, she had total hip replacement surgery. The surgery went well, and her recovery so far has been remarkable. It will be a few months for full recovery, but so far, so good!