“I think I can, I think I can…..”. ⚡

At a time when people are pulling on every ounce of energy, to deliver projects and commitments made in 2023, before the close of the year, I’m reminded of the No.1 Global CliftonStrengths by frequency, of Achiever.

Individuals with high Achiever strength have enormous stamina, and are known for their internal drive, power, and energy, to accomplish, in all facets of their life. Put simply, they work hard to get things done.

An early version of the children’s “Story of the engine that thought it could” was published in the New-York Tribune in 1906, and there have been numerous versions since. The story starts with a long train, on a journey to deliver Christmas toys to children, over the other side of a steep mountain. Unfortunately, the locomotive breaks down.  Larger engines pass by, ignoring the pleas to assist the long train up the mountain, citing reasons such as being “too tired” or needing “to rest”.

Finally, a simple switch, smaller engine, offers to help pull the train up and over the mountain, even though it has never undertaken such a challenging task. The little engine bravely and fiercely keeps repeating “I think I can, I think I can…” as it puffs faster and faster over the mountain top, and successfully heads into town, with the Christmas delivery of toys.

Much like “The little engine that could”, people with Achiever Strength are at their best when they’re busy, productive, and pushing others to reach milestones and finish lines. You’ll recognise them or your own talent, as people who create a fresh “to do” list every day and who are deeply satisfied by ticking off tasks. And the list will have been designed to push harder, and achieve more, than yesterday.

Whilst an executing theme to get things done, high Achiever can be energising to work alongside. Think about colleagues who encourage you to push to the end in November, when the excitement of January seems a million miles earlier. Or when you’re exercising at the gym, they’ll be the one challenging you to box harder or spin faster.

If you’re managing people with Achiever in their Top 10 or investing in your own development, consider:

• 🏆How do you define excellence?
• How do you know what motivates others and why is that important?
• 🎯How do you set more ambitious goals and what people are wonderful partners for you? Why? 🧩Surround yourself with other “hard workers” and share your goals. Consider what part they could play to help you?
• ⌚Before making new commitments to projects and events, seek out knowledge of the resources and time required, to ensure you can deliver to the “Achiever standard” you pride yourself on displaying.

So, as we pull all the loose ends of 2023 together, you may need to reach out to an Achiever friend for some end-of-year motivation, or dial up your own superpower, to puff faster and faster over your mountain into town! 

#cliftonstrengths #cultivatecapabilities #Achiever #learninganddevelopment #Gallup