Why I No Longer Apologize for How I Lead
A few years ago, the franchise I worked with brought in an incredible consulting firm to support our team of designers. One of the most impactful exercises we did was the Clifton Strengths Finder, and the insights have stayed with me ever since.
It was eye-opening to not only discover my strengths but to better understand how each person brings something unique to the table. My leadership style falls under the Influencing domain, and my top 5 strengths are:
Activator - I thrive on turning ideas into action.
Communication - I connect through words, stories, and meaningful conversations.
Significance - I’m driven to do work that matters and makes an impact.
Arranger – I organize the moving pieces to create something stronger.
Command – I step up with confidence, especially when direction is needed.
Over time, I’ve become deeply aware that these strengths may trigger others. And what I’ve learned- years after taking the assessment- is this: I will not make myself small in my strengths to please others.
Leadership isn’t always easy. These strengths- while powerful- have, at times, been misunderstood or even used against me. I’ve experienced moments where my confidence, decisiveness, or need for significance made others uncomfortable. I’ve been misunderstood, asked to be quiet, and pushed aside by individuals who are uncomfortable with change and growth.
But here’s the truth: exercises like Clifton Strengths can bring people together. They help teams build empathy, communicate better, and create space for all kinds of leadership. They remind us that not everyone leads the same way—and that’s more than okay. That’s necessary.
I highly recommend that companies, nonprofits, and boards integrate strength-based assessments into their culture. It’s not just a tool- it’s a bridge. It builds trust, awareness, and better collaboration.
✨ This is the perfect intro for my new LinkedIn article series, where I’ll be sharing insights from my journey as a woman in business, designer, and leader in the closet and storage industry. I hope these reflections encourage others to lead boldly and create space for themselves- without apology.
Have you taken Clifton Strengths? I’d love to hear your top 5 and how they’ve shaped the way you lead and work.
Let me know in the comments, Carly
