One of the keys to flourishing in life is to find work that makes you feel alive and engaged. That will be unique for each person and is largely dependent on whether you are using your strengths or not.
In this article, we’ll unpack some of the ways that a person with the Charismatic Strength can find a career that will make them feel alive and engaged.
The Charismatic Strength
People with the Charismatic strength are outgoing and friendly.
They are energetic and talkative and may get into trouble for being a bit too loud and fun. That’s not because they want to cause trouble; it’s just that they are what we call a “people person” and love to interact and have a good time. They notice new people and are confident to talk with anyone. They are comfortable talking to a group, and will usually have a lot of friends, making others laugh and be happy.
They are… a people person
They will… be friendly
They like… social environments
They hate… being told to be quiet
Others love them for… their energy and fun approach
They do well when they… are needed to win people over
Avoiding frustration
One of the keys to an exciting career is to avoid feeling frustrated or bored. Sure, there will be moments in every job that are just hard work and don’t feel exciting or fun. But the goal is to figure out what makes you feel alive and how to do that more often.
For those with the Charismatic Strength, they will usually excel in any role in which they can interact with many people. They are social people and tend to enjoy connecting with others in their work. They excel when they are required to win people over and use their gift-of-the-gab. So a role in sales, customer service, leadership or marketing would suit their strengths.
However, if they are stuck alone for long periods, they tend to feel trapped. Sitting behind a desk, doing the same task over and over, and even very detailed work may frustrate someone with the Charismatic strength.
Avoid… Checklist:
- Avoid working alone for long periods. Sure, everyone needs time out, but as a Charismatic person, you are in your best zone when interacting with others.
- Avoid repetitive tasks. You need to be active, engaged and constantly moving.
- You don’t need to centre your work around your Charismatic strength, as you will have other traits of high function. But the Charismatic trait will shine through in the way you do that work. If you aren’t given credit or respect for your people skills, then look to other areas that appreciate your contribution.
Flourishing
For a person with the Charismatic strength to flourish, they will want to be using this strength regularly. Teenagers with the Charismatic strength often become successful adults. Their people skills come to the fore and others will like them as they naturally connect. As they mature, some of the less refined areas of extroversion will be controlled, and they will discover that EQ is as powerful as IQ. Because they are outgoing and friendly, they usually do well in job interviews and move up quickly in the work hierarchy.
Don’t worry if school is not their best environment as they will soon find their sweet spot.
You’ll do well… Checklist:
- Those with the Charismatic strength bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to their work place. They tend to be extroverted and talkative, so when a high level of connection is needed, the rewards will be strong.
- Charismatic people often do well as business owners. They naturally sell, and if they believe in their product or service, they will know how to get customers on board.
- People with the Charismatic strength do well in a team environment. They bring ideas and contribute. They are not lazy and get stuck in. So whether it’s emergency services, sales, teaching or business, the Charismatic is a gift to the team.
Examples of the Charismatic Strength
“Every afternoon, I put on the flouro vest and join road crossing duty. I want to talk with parents, say goodbye to students and have a laugh with some of the naughty kids. I’m tough but fair with those who break the rules, and everyone knows when I’m around – I’m friendly, but can also switch on the authority when necessary.”
“I’ve been at it for 5 years but I still get a bit of a rush when I make a sale. I see someone come into the yard and I make it my goal and mission to win them to one of our cars. I’ll convince them of what they need, and can upsell anything. My Mum always said I can talk – and now I’m using to my advantage. I get the sales award almost every month, and it comes with a tidy bonus.”
“My designs showcase my personality. I’m loud, bold and courageous. I have flair. And I want everyone to see it. Sure, I spend time creating and sewing and designing, but give me an audience or a customer and I will convince you of why I’m the best.”
Keeping it real
In every job, in every part of life, there will be some things you hate. We need to be realistic that even in jobs that are a good fit for you, there will be some struggles. It’s worth thinking of our work like traffic lights… You want:
Red 20% – There might be up to 20% of our work that we hate and just have to get through. Any more than 20% and it may be a wrong fit.
Amber 20% – Another 20% of our work might be tasks and functions that are OK, but not our most engaging.
Green 60% – In a job that is a good fit for us, we’ll want there to be at least 60% green. We enjoy it and are engaged. It stretches us and pushes us to grow.
If the traffic lights are the wrong way around, we’ll feel parked and sidelined for too long. But looking for 100% green is unrealistic and may set us up for disappointment.
Let us know where you see the Charismatic strength in action.
