By Jason Gray
Maria has recently been assigned a persuasive essay in her Comp I class. Her professor has given the students the freedom to write about any topic they choose. Initially, Maria was excited to get started on her first college paper, however, her excitement and enthusiasm has shifted to feelings of despair and anxiety. She has started writing about three different topics and each time after getting a good start, she comes up with what she thinks is a better topic.
Robert is in a class where he and his classmates have recently been assigned a small group project. This is the first group assignment Robert has had to participate in since starting college and for the first time, he is feeling less inspired and excited about his coursework and school.
Suzanne has been a great student. She studies hard, has perfect attendance and performs well in class. However, she is starting to feel as though her efforts and hard work are not appreciated and rewarded and as a result is starting to question her choice of major.
In the three scenarios, each person is experiencing what in the strengths world we call “the basement”. When we are putting our talent themes (Top 5) to use, or are in situations where our strengths naturally emerge, we call those moments “balconies”. At those times we are at the top of our game, feeling like we are at our best – on the lofty balcony, high above, looking down at all that is good and wonderful. There are times, however, where those very same strengths and talents can relocate us to the “basement” – a place where the inherent needs and tendencies our strengths demand become the very bane of our existence.
Maria’s “Ideation” and “Analytical” themes of talent usually work in her favor. She is a quick thinker and can connect ideas and topics easily, and as a result, can apply much of what she’s learning and doing, which helps her understand and remember things better. However, those same areas of talent are now holding her back. Rather than selecting one of her many good ideas to write her paper on, the number of ideas and her need to analyze and validate connectedness are getting in her way. Her strengths have taken her to the “basement”.
In Robert’s case, his “Deliberative” and “Intellection” talents, both of which have contributed to his unique, yet successful college experience, are now holding him in the “basement”.
Suzanne has “Significance”, “Learner” and “Maximizer” among her Top 5. She has always done well in school and has always received abundant positive reinforcement for her hard work and achievement. Now in college, however, the fact that her positive reinforcement comes less often, and in the way of a very private individual assessment (grade), she finds herself in the “basement”.
It is absolutely wonderful to learn and know about our unique Signature Themes of Talent, how they positively help us identify who we are, what we are best at, and what we enjoy doing most often. However, it is just as important to know how those same unique characteristics can lead to times that are less positive and enjoyable. When you find yourself in situations, environments, or are facing assignments and responsibilities, use the knowledge of your Top 5 Strengths to help identify what is going on and why you’re feeling the way you do. In some cases, there may not be much you can do about it. Robert is going to have to complete his group project, Maria is going to have to write and turn in a persuasive essay and Suzanne is going to have to continue attending class even if her professor doesn’t publicly recognize her efforts.
Be cognizant of how and why you are experiencing what you are and then, turn to your other strengths and find a way to leverage those to help compensate for the temporary basement experiences. Don’t get locked in the basement!
Read more about the concept of Balconies and Basements by visiting the CliftonStrengths Blog .