Sales Teams: Get to know your natural talents

There is a simple yet powerful tool that I was introduced to many years ago called StrengthsFinder. The person who introduced it to me is now a Sales Director at a mortgage lender. When I came across it I was sceptical about it. But once I got to grips with it, it was the most powerful thing I had ever come across and wished I had discovered it earlier in my career. Ever since I have used it with a whole range of teams and am so passionate about it, I just want to share with you how it can help Sales Teams.

Key Takeaways

StrenghtsFinder can help improve individual and sales performance

There are 34 natural talents

It has huge benefits

Taking the test is easy

But you need a winning culture to build on these

What is StrengthsFinder?

StrengthsFinder, now officially called CliftonStrengths, is a psychometric assessment tool developed by Gallup that helps people identify their natural talents — the ways they most naturally think, feel, and behave. Knowing your natural talents boosts self awareness and overall emotional intelligence. Knowing the natural talents of those around you creates a more dynamic and agile team.

What Are The Natural Talents?

When you take the assessment, you will get to know your TOP 5 talents, which may be spread across these 4 domains, or all sit in one domain. Everyone is different. Executing These themes answer the question "How do you make things happen?" They may help you turn ideas into reality. Influencing These themes answer the question "How do you influence others?" They may help you take charge, speak up and make sure others are heard. Relationship Building These themes answer the question "How do you build and nurture strong relationships?". From my experience, Sales teams can typically have their Top 5 within this group. Strategic Thinking These themes answer the question "How do you absorb, think about and analyze information and situations?" They may help you make better decisions and create better outcomes.

How StrengthsFinder Helps Sales Teams

The person who introduced me to all once applied it to his regional sales team, when he began a new job. In six months he had turned the worst performing team into the top team for that lender. It was not just the assessment but application - but it was the kick start that was needed.

It Improves Individual Performance It boosts self belief and can help teams focus on how best to build relationships, and grow business — based on strengths rather than forcing one-size-fits-all techniques.

Example:

A rep with “Relator” may thrive with long-term client relationships, while someone with “Woo” is great at networking and cold outreach.

Builds a Complementary Team It helps avoids friction by highlighting communication and collaboration styles. When the assessment is taken with Marketing, the results are even greater. Boosts Engagement and Retention Sales teams can feel more valued and understood when their strengths are recognised and used. It can lead to greater performance and better results.

Customises Development We are all different, so with knowing one's strengths, you can develop more tailor made training.

Gallup Stats That Back It Up

• Teams that use CliftonStrengths have 6% higher sales and 15% higher engagement.

• Employees who use their strengths daily are 6x more likely to be engaged.

How Can You Take The Assessment Choose on of the online assessments from CliftonStrenghts. I would recommend the basic version is more than enough. Follow the instructions and take the 30 minute online assessment.

What Follows? You will then get your personalised report, showing you your TOP 5 natural talents. Understand these more and talk to others about these as sometimes people don't quite see it straight away. Build on These Strengths Find ways to make your strengths work harder for you. This may mean alleviating some weaknesses, but by doing this gives you the momentum for success. Don't just do this alone - it has to be a cultural thing. Do it together. Get external help if needed. But this is so simple. And so powerful.