SHOWCASE FRIDAY: DR. BRAD

What are your Top 5?
Maximizer
Achiever
Relator
Responsibility
Competition


How do you see them playing out in your life?
I think from an early age I was aware that I was very driven. Whether it was sports or academics, I always tried to be the best.  Just participating or trying just didn’t cut it for me. I had to be constantly improving and making gains in pursuit of perfection. This of course made it difficult as an adult to work under bosses who weren’t as driven or who didn’t like high achievers.  So, it took me a while to find my niche. I have finally found a good balance where I can utilize all 5 of my top strengths. I am an author, speaker, and I also teach a graduate courses in leadership where I incorporate the strengths finder assessment.

What's your favorite theme?
It might sound strange, but I think responsibility is my favorite theme. Any promise I make or task I start, I feel like I have to follow through on it. I feel like building a good reputation is critical to success in life and the responsibility helps build that good name. 

What's the one theme that "gets in your way"?
While it is my top trait, I think maximizer may actually get in the way sometimes. I am all about excellence, and sometimes it is tough to stop, For instance when I am writing a book, I never feel like it is perfect, but at some point, there is a deadline and I have to let go, but it is tough!  I feel like if it has my name associated with it then it has to be perfect, good is just not enough. This also probably causes me a higher level of stress than I probably need.

How has knowing your top 5 empowered you to live a more authentic life?
I incorporate the 5 strengths into my professional and personal life. In fact, it has been instrumental in helping me help others develop their leadership traits as well. My latest book, What School’s Don’t Teach has an entire section on developing students’ talents and strengths. I was fortunate to have Sarah, Jennifer, and Amanda as expert sources for the book. Moving forward, my goal is help others identify and develop their strengths so that they can be more successful in life.

Additional info…
Dr. Brad Johnson:  Speaker, educator, and author of What Schools Don’t Teach: 20 Ways to Help Students Excel in School and Life

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