Leading with the Intellection StrengthsFinder Talent

Intellection StrengthsFinder TL;DR

The intellection StrengthsFinder talent means you have a strong desire to understand the world or people more deeply. 

You look for introspective time to use your brain to solve critical problems. This time of reflection is also likely a strategy to recharge, giving yourself time to think.

You lead at your best when you have time to think deeply and dynamically.

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

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

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

I call it cave time. I need time where I can pull back and process. Afterward, I emerge with clarity, insight and focus. I seek to cultivate this same experience for others during our coaching sessions.

These are four strategies I’ve seen leaders with the intellection strength use to leverage deeper understanding.

1. Find a curious crowd.
2. Journal.
3. Avoid being rushed.
4. Drive silently.

Find a curious crowd.

Find people who are also interested in understanding the world or problems more deeply. They don’t have to agree with you, but they should be willing to explore the depths of the issue without judgment or pushing a particular conclusion.

Sometimes you just need people you can bounce ideas off of.

You have a strong desire to understand the world or people more deeply

These conversations can be powerful and lead to breakthroughs that aren’t possible when we try to figure it all out in our own heads.

Journal.

Journaling is a great way to capture your thinking and process any insights or conclusions you have come up with. 

Writing it down can help bring clarity, so don’t be afraid to jot down ideas as they come to you, even if it doesn’t seem like they’re related.

It's like setting your brain on a mental tumble-dry-low and letting your thoughts come out in their own time.

I recommend going analog here. Gift yourself time to think slowly and form thoughts with a pen.

Avoid being rushed.

When you are given time to think deeply, take it! Don’t be tempted by the urgency of a situation to rush your thought processes. 

Taking time is especially important when making decisions that will have an impact on others or the organization as a whole. 

You lead at your best when you have time to think deeply and dynamically.

Don't be afraid to tell people you need time to think. Engage early in projects when there is more time to think. 

Not only do you need the time to consider all angles and implications, but if you’re rushed in your decision-making process, it can lead to a sense of lack of confidence or ownership.

Drive silently.

For me, one of the best ways I can think deeply and reflect is when I drive alone in silence. 

This strategy may not work for everyone, but it can be a great way to have time disconnected from all other distractions.

It's like setting your brain on a mental tumble-dry-low and letting your thoughts come out in their own time. You won't have this same mental space when you turn on the radio or listen to podcasts. 

Your car is an opportunity to think deeply while allowing ideas to surface in their own time. Once you reach your destination, you can further explore any thoughts or insights that arose during your drive.

As you learn to lead using your intellection strength, you can move topics from unknown to carefully considered.

Whether it’s a drive in the car, an early morning run, a walk around the park or a quiet spot to read, make sure to take some time each day to explore your thoughts and feelings.  Listen deeply to yourself and trust that you have the answers within you—all you need is space and time. 

Leaders with the intellection strength can struggle with an antipattern of inaction, always waiting till they know more. 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.