Being Comfortable in Your Talents: Key to Deep Relationships

On a recent Called to Coach, we spoke with Roy Spence, Cofounder and Chairman of GSD&M, a leading national marketing communications and advertising company. Roy is also Cofounder and CEO of The Purpose Institute, a consulting firm that helps people and organizations discover and live their purpose.

At an early age, Roy had been taught to live a strengths-based life. Amid missteps and shortfalls, he came to realize that his time would be much more fruitful if he focused on and developed his greatest talents, rather than attempting to correct his weaknesses. It wasn't until later on in life that Roy took the CliftonStrengths assessment, which resulted in an instant sense of self-realization and purpose.

Roy talked about building relationships through strengths. He said that when people develop and shape client relationships through their innate talents, they have the opportunity to deepen those relationships and become a confidant to others. Relationships among confidants, Roy points out, contain no fear or deception because the individuals involved are comfortable in their strengths, without trying to hide behind a facade.

Building strong relationships with clients is key, but it is just as critical with coworkers. It's important to know your colleagues' strengths, because there is likely someone who thrives in an area in which you struggle. A collection of these symbiotic relationships creates a "culture of shorthand," which builds trust and encourages teamwork.

To learn more about Roy and how he promotes the use of strengths in his business endeavors and personal life, watch the full video above.

Roy Spence's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are Strategic, Arranger, Maximizer, Relator and Responsibility.