WHAT’S THE RESTORATIVE THEME ABOUT?
The Restorative StrengthsFinder theme is marked by a solution-oriented mindset. While others might be disconcerted by the appearance of yet another problem, those with the Restorative theme relish the opportunity it presents. They love the challenge of analyzing the symptoms, diagnosing the problem, and then discovering a solution. The kind of problems they enjoy resolving will vary from individual to individual: they may prefer practical problems, or conceptual ones, or perhaps interpersonal and personal ones. They may seek out problems they’ve encountered many times before and feel confident about resolving, or they may enjoy going into complex and unfamiliar areas to find solutions. Their exact preferences are determined by their life experiences, their values, and their other StrengthsFinder themes. But whatever their preferences, it is certain that to someone with Restorative, the best days are when they find creative, life-giving solutions to problems they see around them.
When those with the Restorative talent theme see a problem, they feel compelled to take it apart and look at it from different angles until they find a solution. For this reason, there are times when those with the Restorative theme can sink into hopelessness, particularly when he or she encounters a problem that cannot be easily or immediately resolved. This is when they may also be prone to being pessimistic, skeptical, and perhaps nitpicky or naggy, particularly when this theme is in its infancy. However, at its maturity, individuals with the Restorative StrengthsFinder theme bring a courage and creativity to problem-solving, empowering those around them to find answers and resolution to the difficulties they face.
RESTORATIVE VS. MAXIMIZER
The Restorative and Maximizer StrengthsFinder themes can appear similar in their behavior in that both themes can be perfectionistic in nature. The difference lies in the motivation between the two: for the Restorative talent theme, nothing must be broken, while for the Maximizer talent theme, nothing must be mediocre. Restorative tends to gravitate toward problems because they desire to find solutions; Maximizer tends to avoid problems because they desire to focus on what’s already working well and make it even better. Restorative is energized by the prospect of figuring out solutions to problems; Maximizer is energized by the prospect of bringing a project to a whole new level of excellence.
RESTORATIVE VS. STRATEGIC
The Restorative and Strategic StrengthsFinder themes are somewhat similar in that both have a propensity to quickly identify any problems or obstacles that can come up in a particular path. However, while Restorative would pinpoint and then seek to resolve those problems, Strategic would find alternative paths to circumvent those problems. To one with Restorative, the “best way” is the one with no problems; to one with Strategic, the “best way” is one that steers clear of potential problems. Restorative feels fulfilled when it brings something back to life; Strategic feels fulfilled when it finds the most efficient path to hit the objective. Restorative brings a courage and creativity to problematic situations; Strategic brings creative anticipation and imagination to groups and projects they’re working on. Restorative instinctively thinks of ways to fill the gaps to make a system more robust; Strategic instinctively thinks of ways to eliminate unnecessary steps to make a system more efficient.
RESTORATIVE VS. RESPONSIBILITY
According to Gallup’s data, if an individual possesses the Restorative StrengthsFinder theme in his or her Top 5, he or she is also likely to have the Responsibility theme within the Top 5. However, the two themes differ in their motivations: individuals with the Restorative StrengthsFinder theme are motivated primarily by the desire to fix problems they encounter, while individuals with the Responsibility talent theme are motivated primarily by the desire to follow through on what they commit to. People depend on those with Restorative to get things in proper working order; in contrast, people depend on those with Responsibility to deliver what was promised. Restorative instinctively wants to mend the cracks to improve functionality; Responsibility instinctively wants to make sure every requirement of the existing system is met.
DO YOU (OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW) HAVE THE RESTORATIVE THEME IN YOUR TOP 5?
What are your thoughts on the talent theme? I’d love to hear from you in the Comments section below!
Written by Tan Meiling
Responsibility • Learner • Relator • Belief • Harmony
Meiling is a writer, editor, and Gallup-Certified StrengthsFinder Coach based in Singapore. As a StrengthsFinder® Coach, she is passionate about helping people discover their innate potential and celebrating who they are. She enjoys reading, learning, and sharing her knowledge through writing articles. Meiling is also actively giving StrengthsFinder coaching to individuals and facilitating workshops in Singapore.
