Hey, it’s Ronai!

I hope you're all doing well! Today’s Post is a bit long but I think it is worth it.

I wanted to share something personal, something that I believe we can all learn from. I recently had a fight with a friend—as a 5 relationship builder you need to understand that my friends mean the world to me, so I was crushed that someone so close to me was in pain. The fight stemmed from a simple issue: neither of us were clear about what we needed from each other. It got me thinking about how crucial communication is and how understanding our strengths can help us communicate better.

Let me give you some background. I’m a 5 Relationship Builder and 3 Influencer. (Don’t know what that means…let’s chat Clifton Strengths) I thrive on connecting with the right people and moving them forward. My friend, on the other hand, is a solid 4 Executor. She loves doing everything in a way that honors her desire to make sure things are done "the right way.”  Our clash happened because we didn't express our "rules" or needs clearly. Here's the thing that we all need to understand: people aren't mind readers. We need to ask for what we need. It’s not selfish, it’s selfcare. And, it honors other peoples desire to help you, in a way that is actually helpful.

Eddie Villa’s "Unleash Your Strengths" has been a game-changer for me in understanding how our strengths influence our communication styles. Here’s a breakdown of how just a few different strengths (there are 34) can shape how we ask for help.

For Relationship Builders Like Me:

• Empathy: We naturally sense others' emotions and can imagine ourselves in their situation. When asking for help, it's helpful to express your feelings and acknowledge the other person's perspective. For example, you might say, "I’ve been feeling overwhelmed. Your support would mean a lot to me."

• Includer: We believe in making everyone feel part of the group. When seeking help, invite collaboration and emphasize inclusivity. Something like, "I’d love to get your input on this. It would be great to work together," can go a long way.

• Positivity: Our upbeat and encouraging nature makes us approachable. Maintaining an optimistic tone when asking for help is key. Try saying, "I’m excited about this project but need some help to make it amazing. Can we work on this together?"

For Influencers Like Me:

• Communication: We articulate thoughts clearly and engage others effectively. Be direct and enthusiastic when asking for help. You might say, "I have a great idea and would love your expertise to bring it to life. Can we discuss how you can help?"

• Woo (Winning Others Over): We enjoy meeting new people and making connections. Leverage your ability to build rapport when seeking help. "I’ve heard great things about your skills and would love to collaborate with you," is a good example.

• Activator: We are action-oriented and like to get things moving. Emphasize the immediate benefits and next steps when asking for help. For instance, "I’m ready to start this project but need your input to get it off the ground. Can we get started?" works well.

For Executors Like My Friend:

• Achiever: Executors like seeing tangible progress. When asking for help, be specific about what needs to be done and why it matters. For example, "I need your help to complete this project by Friday. Your input is crucial for meeting our deadline," can be effective.

• Responsibility: They take their commitments seriously. Acknowledge their sense of duty when asking for help. You might say, "I trust your expertise and reliability. Can you help me ensure this is completed correctly?"

• Belief: They are driven by their core values. Align your request with their values. For instance, "This project aligns with our mission and values. Your support would be invaluable in ensuring we stay true to our goals."

For Strategic Thinkers Like My Hubby:

•   Analytical: Strategic thinkers need data and details. When asking for help, provide them with clear information and evidence. For example, "I've gathered some data that shows why this approach will work. Can you review it and provide your insights?"

•   Futuristic: They are visionaries who love to think about the future. Frame your request in terms of long-term benefits. For instance, "I believe this can shape our future positively. Can you help me brainstorm how we can make it happen?"

•   Strategic: They excel at spotting patterns and obstacles. When seeking their help, ask for their strategic input. For example, "I’m facing some challenges with this project. Could you help me identify potential roadblocks and ways to overcome them?"

Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a strength. It fosters collaboration, enhances productivity, and leads to innovative solutions and better friendships. By understanding our communication styles, we can ask for help in a way that feels natural and effective.

Here Are Some Practical Tips for Effective Communication

1.    Know Your Strengths: Lean into your communication style. If you know the other person’s communication style AWESOME!! It can increase the likelihood of a positive response if you are able to speak their language.

2.    Be Clear and Specific: Clearly articulate what you need help with and why. This reduces confusion and ensures you get the assistance you need.

3.    Show Appreciation: Always express gratitude when someone helps you, AND when they ask for help. This strengthens relationships and encourages future collaboration.

4.    Practice Active Listening: Effective communication is a two-way street. Listen actively to others' responses and feedback.

When we understand our strengths and communication styles, it empowers us to communicate more effectively and confidently when asking for help. By doing so, we enhance our personal and professional relationships, creating a more collaborative and supportive environment. So, let's honor our strengths, communicate openly, and never hesitate to seek the support we need.

If you're interested in diving deeper into understanding your strengths and improving your communication, I'd love to help. As a Certified Eddie Villa Unleash Your Strengths Coach, I can guide you through this journey to enhance your personal and professional life. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat more about how we can work together. Let's unlock your full potential and make your strengths work for you!

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to leveraging your strengths. Stay tuned for more insights and tips on how to unleash your full potential. Thanks for reading, friends. Let’s keep growing together! -Ronai