Talent Tuesday: Ideation

What do we mean by Ideation? 

The Clifton StrengthsFinder results describe this talent theme as follows; “You are fascinated by ideas. What is an idea? An idea is a concept, the best explanation of the most events. You are delighted when you discover beneath the complex surface an elegantly simple concept to explain why things are the way they are. An idea is a connection. Yours is the kind of mind that is always looking for connections, and so you are intrigued when seemingly disparate phenomena can be linked by an obscure connection. An idea is a new perspective on familiar challenges. You revel in taking the world we all know and turning it around so we can view it from a strange but strangely enlightening angle. You love all these ideas because they are profound, because they are novel, because they are clarifying, because they are contrary, because they are bizarre. For all these reasons you derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to you. Others may label you creative or original or conceptual or even smart. Perhaps you are all of these. Who can be sure? What you are sure of is that ideas are thrilling. And on most days this is enough.”

If the above description describes you, be sure to read below for career tips and tricks tailored to your strengths!

People who are especially talented in the Ideation theme use their strength to hone your creativity and thoughtful approach to stimulate the dreams of tomorrow.

Career Search Tips for Ideation Talents:

  • Look for work cultures where spit-balling ideas and brainstorming is part of regular work life. Your ideas will stand out and make the sessions productive and exciting, and others’ responses will help refine your ideas.
  • A flexible work environment is important to keep your mind focused and prevent boredom; scheduling time to think and play mental games during the workday will energize you.
  • Apply to all kinds of jobs and companies that interest you because your ability to generate ideas can thrive in any field or business.
  • Write down ideas as they come so you can continue to refine them and present them to interviewers or employers. Not everyone can “connect the dots” of an interesting idea, so refining yours and presenting a thorough plan will impress others.

Below is a video created by the Gallup Strengths Center that goes into more detail about the Ideation Talent Theme and how it can help you on your path to success!

By Rachel Linehan
Rachel Linehan CareerEdge Manager