One of the most gratifying aspects of my work as a coach is guiding individuals through what is called in the Kolbe world, Transition. Those times when their instinctive ways of operating seem to shift, and they're left questioning their ability to act freely, based on how their naturally wired. 10% of society is in “Transition" on any given day, based on Kolbe's research and I've validated that in my own experience as a consultant. While change can be unsettling, it's also an incredible opportunity for self-awareness and growth.
I recently worked with an individual over the course of a year who was experiencing this very process. She took the Kolbe A Index three times, and with each assessment, my gut told me she was not just in Transition, due to her external and internal circumstances, but might ultimately reveal a Facilitator/Mediator CoAction—one of the rarest and most valuable combinations of strengths in a team.
Facilitators operate with a unique balance of conative strengths, making them adept at bridging gaps, fostering collaboration, and adapting to a variety of needs. However, this same strength can also lead to over-accommodation—constantly adjusting to others to the point of exhaustion. When we finally confirmed her results, everything clicked! Not only did she understand her immense value to the team, but she also recognized her high risk of burnout if she wasn't intentional about setting boundaries.
This is exactly why understanding one's Kolbe strengths is so essential. It's not just about maximizing productivity—it's about aligning with how you naturally take action so that you can thrive rather than just survive. Transition is not a loss of ability; it's a recalibration. When individuals gain clarity about their instinctive strengths, they can navigate challenges with confidence, communicate their needs effectively, and make purposeful contributions without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Helping someone see their unique strengths through this journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of my coaching. When they finally recognize not only what makes them exceptional but also how to sustain that excellence, they step into their true potential. And that, for me, is why this work matters so much!
If you've ever felt like something has shifted in how you operate, you feel a little like a fish swimming upstream, or if you're leading a team that includes individuals in Transition, let's talk. Understanding your natural strengths isn't just insightful—it's empowering.
Registration is open for our April 30th Kolbe Strengths Workshop, online from 2:00 – 4:00pm. This is a great time to dive deeper into your own innate strengths for striving or gathering your team together for some collective learning and synergy support! To register use THIS LINK.