Leading with the Command StrengthsFinder Talent

Command StrengthsFinder TL;DR

Leaders with the command StrengthsFinder talent don’t shy away from the moment. They are not intimidated by confrontation and feel comfortable assuming control even in tense situations.

They can’t stand false agreement or passivity and want people just to say what they think. When healthy, they can guide a team through a kind of honest engagement that produces clarity and shared ownership.

If you’re already familiar with StrengthsFinder, you can skip over the next section.

How do you lead well with command in your StrengthsFinder top 5?

So you’ve taken the StrengthsFinder assessment, received your results and found command in the list. Now you’re wondering how to grow or leverage this strength in your leadership. 

I know what it's like to feel compelled to take charge and bring the clarity that's lacking. Over the years, most of my co-leaders had command as one of their top 5 strengths, and I've seen how it both helped and hurt them as leaders.

These are four strategies I’ve seen commanding leaders use to make a positive impact.

1. Look for spaces to lead.
2. Invite others to use their voice.
3. Find a cause.
4. Be an advocate for those without a voice.

Look for spaces to lead.

Leadership isn't just a title. It's an action. A great leader knows when to step in and take charge.

There are those moments when someone needs to take charge,

This can look different depending on circumstances or context, so pay attention to where you can lead with clarity, direction, and intention.

Invite others to use their voice.

Leaders with the command StrengthsFinder Talent can be very effective at leading large groups of people, but it's important to remember that everyone has something valuable to bring to the conversation.

Leadership isn't always about taking the lead; sometimes, it's about giving a platform to those who need it most.

You likely feel comfortable speaking up and often immediately drop into a leadership stance. But this doesn't mean you always have to be the one leading the conversation. 

Create an environment where everyone feels heard and respected, including yourself.  Invite everyone in your circle or on your team to contribute and create a sense of harmony around decision

Find a cause.

Leadership is full of purpose and meaning, so look for causes to get behind that express your values and passions. You can take on activism or volunteer work if it aligns with what matters most to you. 

They can clear the path ahead and guide the team down it

Find something meaningful to pour your energy into and help make a difference in the world around you. 

Your command strength will empower you to make a powerful impact. You'll have the confidence and endurance to weather the setbacks and overcome the obstacle.

Be an advocate for those without a voice.

Leaders with command are great at taking charge but remember to use that same conviction to advocate for those without a voice. Leadership isn't always about taking the lead; sometimes, it's about giving a platform to those who need it most.

You'll be more effective if you partner with a leader with StrengthsFinder harmony talent. They can help you learn to listen and understand others' perspectives, then speak on their behalf or bring attention to their stories. 

Next steps for StrengthsFinder command leaders.

As you learn to lead using your command strength, you can help the team go from standing still to moving forward.

You can take charge in any situation and bring clarity where there is confusion. Use this strength responsibly, invite others into the conversation, find meaningful causes to get behind, and advocate for those without a voice.

Leaders with the Strengthsfinder command talent can struggle with an antipattern of domineering. Learning the strengths antipatterns will allow you to continue growing as a healthy, intentional leader. 

You are on an extraordinary journey to living and leading from your strengths. You can explore the list below to learn about the rest of your top 5 strengths.