Your Natural vs. Adaptive Style

I met with a fellow business coach, Buzz Kolbe, who has that same zest for seeing people go after their passions and goals. We were discussing some tools of the trade and how people either work in or out of their strengths. Buzz uses the term “natural vs. adaptive” style in his lingo to describe how a person approaches life and work. I liked the precision. It is what is going on.

For AscendWorks coaching clients, the first step in our process is to measure their strengths with a questionnaire that identifies their inclinations in four areas: Cognitive, Relational, Goals, and Details. The power of knowing one’s strengths is not only liberating but creates opportunity for precise, full living. I have found consistently that those who are unaware of their strengths, are random in their life. Their car engine is knocking, yet they have accepted this condition and are operating at a subpar condition. Those clients that start living into their strengths find immense focus and ability to go after their goals. They know where they need to partner and where they are fully capable and playing to what is fun for themselves.

In his book, Now Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham purports that the difference between successful people and non-successful people lies in their embracing and usage of their strengths. The latter do not know their strengths, nor do they operate in them. What things do you enjoy that you are better than a thousand other people at? It could be a key to your success.

Benchmarking Top Performers

Peter Drucker coined the term “knowledge work.” It is what most of us do. We do not produce anything. We process, integrate and transfer information. In knowledge work, Drucker says, “The task is not given; it has to be determined.” I love what Donald Trump says in The Art of the Deal: “Deals are my art form.” I feel the same way. I love to work, and I have found my own groove. Work, life, fun - these are all integrated. Life is life. In the new economy, embracing this without mental boundaries adds fun to life.

In the blog, Life 2.0, I found some fantastic articles of high-running CEO’s and how they use time - the same amount you and I have. They pack more density into their day and are worthy of benchmark. Perhaps it will inspire you to take your game to the next level. It certainly did for me.

The Third and Fourth Question

Einstein’s mother used to ask him after school each day, “What’s the best question you asked today?” What a great question to ponder each day. Often people ask me why I know so much. They are trying to figure out where I get my knowledge. Here’s the secret - learn to ask questions. I call them the third and fourth questions. These go beyond information and into curiosity. We have the opportunity every moment of the day. We bump into people who can teach us something all the time, yet we don’t ask. Everyone can teach you something. The air conditioning repairman at your house - are you content with just getting it fixed? Or do you get curious and learn something from a guy who thinks about his job 40 hours a week? What about your dry cleaner? Your mechanic? Your dentist? How do they do their jobs? What do they know? What question haven’t you asked that might make you a bit more knowledgeable?