**Recently, I was inspired by a friend’s post on Facebook, by a photo of one of my beloved actresses and characters; Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara, in Gone With The    Wind. Today’s blog is dedicated to Vivien Leigh and Margaret Mitchell, forever inspiring me to follow my courage, create innovative solutions to problems, and reminding me to appreciate my Tara; Duquesne, Pennsylvania. 

For me as a career coach, identifying key performance strengths in team members and leaders is as organic as breathing.    Fortunately, I am right where I need to be  when it comes to helping my clients with their career choices and right-sizing them into right-fit positions. For others, the mere thought of identifying their key strengths is daunting. Some clients remark, “I’ve been analyzed ad nauseam and still it means nothing to me” or “Sure, I get my PAR each year and I’m analytical and a visionary.” When asked for examples of how they use their strengths, I usually hear a rote, robotic response, as though the person is repeating what was written by their corporate HR official. There is really no conviction, no real ownership, and a sad, dispassionate sigh of frustration.

Learning to identify key behaviors and core competencies is well within our reach.  After all, each time we meet a person, see them on television, or listen to them on NPR, we are taking in clues telling us about the person’s strengths.

One of my personal favorites to analyze and discuss with my clients is ‘dear Scarlett’; as Melanie frequently remarked.  What are Scarlett’s core competencies? What roles would she fit into if her character were seeking a professional position in 2014?

 

Listed below is a short list of Scarlett’s competencies as I’ve identified according to the Lominger System and StrengthsFinder 2.0.

• Courage. Displayed repetitive acts of undeniable strength in standing up for what she believed was right by Tara, herself, and the south.  Stood up to the Yankee who ransacked ma’s jewelry box in an effort to steal her ear bobs.

• Ideation. Created and developed ma’s old curtains into a lush, ‘green with envy’ dress looking like the bell of the ball.

• Strategic Agility.  Excelled in overcoming obstacles by mapping out a long range plan and executing tactics through subordinates. Empowered her sisters to pick cotton and clear the fields.

• Navigating Ambiguity.  Demonstrated strength and drive in leading the caravan  over the wild terrain en route to Tara with Melly, her baby and Prissy in tow.

• Business Savvy.  Drove the lumber business into a profit center thereby demonstrating turnaround skills.

• Influence & Persuasion. Talked three suitors into marriage with ease.

Through these core competencies, we can clearly see Scarlett’s key leadership strengths taking shape.  Margaret Mitchell gifted the world with her creative talent in writing Gone With The Wind and she gifted me the ability to analyze Scarlett to help my clients identify their strengths.

As for the right position/industry for Scarlet in 2014? I’ll let you decide. After all, tomorrow is another day!