People with strong Activator talents are at their best when they are taking advantage of opportunities others miss.
Activator®
A theme in the Influencing domain of CliftonStrengths
People exceptionally talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They want to do things now, rather than simply talk about them.
Full Theme Description
"When can we start?" This is a recurring question in your life. You are impatient for action. You may concede that analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can occasionally yield some valuable insights, but deep down you know that only action is real. Only action can make things happen. Only action leads to performance.
Once a decision is made, you cannot not act. Others may worry that "there are still some things we don't know," but this doesn't seem to slow you. If the decision has been made to go across town, you know that the fastest way to get there is to go stoplight to stoplight.
You are not going to sit around waiting until all the lights have turned green. Besides, in your view, action and thinking are not opposites. In fact, guided by your Activator theme, you believe that action is the best device for learning.
You make a decision, you take action, you look at the result, and you learn. This learning informs your next action and your next. How can you grow if you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe you can't. You must put yourself out there. You must take the next step. It is the only way to keep your thinking fresh and informed.
The bottom line is this: You know you will be judged not by what you say, not by what you think, but by what you get done. This does not frighten you. It pleases you.
This Theme’s Power and Edge
Activators are catalysts who get things started. They naturally see how to turn ideas into action. As a result, they make things happen. Their energy can be contagious and engaging. If you have an important project or talented group that needs a jump-start, find an Activator — they will bring energy and instant momentum.
How People with Strong Activator Talents Describe Themselves
"I am impatient with inactivity."
"I need less discussion, more action."
"I love initiation, instigation."
"I hate waiting, wasting time."
"I bring a catalytic sense of urgency."
Activator: Helps and Hinders
Helps
With Activator in your Top 5, you likely excel at mobilising your team to action — you communicate what has to be done and then instill a sense of urgency.
You are a catalyst for saving your organization time, energy and money. You are impatient for action and get things moving when projects stall.
You are not afraid to take risks, which can make you a great innovator.
Your energy and action-oriented approach instill momentum — you keep things progressing forward.
Hinders
You may have a tendency to charge ahead and act without a concrete plan. Challenge yourself to stop and consider alternatives and consequences before taking action.
Your drive to get started means you may miss important ideas from others. Give others on the team a chance to give input.
Because you believe only action leads to performance, you may be perceived as unorganised or impulsive. If you are a manager or team leader, take time to explain your reasoning and make sure you are clear about your expectations.
You start things quickly and that may cause others to feel left out, unappreciated or undervalued. Take time to listen to others to ensure you are headed in the right direction.
Theme Contrast
| Activator | "I want to get it started." |
| Intellection | "There is no substitute for thinking." |
| Activator | "Do it until you get it right." |
| Deliberative | "Do it when you get it right." |
If Activator is a Dominant Theme for You, Take Action to Maximise Your Potential
Seek work in which you can make your own decisions and act upon them. In particular, look for start-up or turn-around situations.
Build a strong network of individuals who share your desire to move quickly toward success. While long-range goals may be critical, short-term successes will stimulate urgency to do more.
Frequently put yourself in situations where you can make things happen. The energy and tempo you bring to the group and project will engage you and the people you work with.
Take responsibility for your intensity by always pushing for action when you are a part of a group.
Make it your role in meetings to ask for action items before the group dismisses. Your drive to make things happen can be the push that many groups need to move from discussion to action.
When insights or revelations occur, record them so you can act on them at the proper time.
Recognize that your “pushiness” might sometimes intimidate others. Remember that although your tenacity is powerful, it can intimidate some. Your Activator talents will be most effective when you have first earned trust and loyalty from those you want to lead.
Give the reasons why your requests for action must be granted; otherwise, people might dismiss you as impatient and label you as a “ready, fire, aim” person.
Avoid activity for activity’s sake. If you want people to join in your activity, you will need to provide them with a purpose for their actions.
Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for
There are times everyone needs to charge ahead and act without a solid plan. Before making a major decision, it is always a good practice to consider alternatives and weigh options first.
The force of their urging people to take action might make others feel overwhelmed and pressured to act before they are comfortable. People with strong Activator talents should remember that others may not feel that same urgency, and some people will need more time to think before they act.
If Activator Is a Lesser Theme for You
If you lack the intensity of Activator talents, it does not mean you lack initiative, fire or the ability to get things started. Rather, you might be someone who prefers to consider actions carefully before taking them.
Ensure that you are operating in areas of familiarity or expertise if the situation requires immediate action.
Know the best way to prepare yourself to take action. Consider the significant decisions you’ve made in your life and determine what steps you went through to feel ready to take action. Did you talk to others first to get their opinions? Did you thoroughly research the topic area? Did you systematically evaluate different scenarios and obstacles? Among your top themes, find those that help you get things started. Responsibility, Belief or Includer talents could provide the spark of initiative for you in the same way Activator talents do for others.
Sometimes you might have to set a reasonable standard for yourself and just do it.
Source: Gallup®
“Ideas must work through the brains and the arms of good and brave men, or they are no better than dreams.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist and poet