Spotlight

Question: In what situation can I step up to direct and uplift others?

My Story:

For Mary, the strength of Spotlight isn’t just about being seen, it’s about using presence and purpose to guide, connect, and inspire. Whether leading executive meetings or mentoring colleagues, she’s learned how to command attention not for its own sake, but to create clarity, alignment, and momentum in her career.

When Mary first reviewed her Strengths Profile, she was struck by how deeply Spotlight resonated. Growing up in a large family, she sought ways to stand out—whether performing on stage, singing, or making people laugh. As a child, she romanticized becoming an actress, but her practical upbringing told her that attending college was the key to her professional success. After graduating, her charismatic personality lent itself to a career in sales, where she excelled for the next 10+ years. Her Spotlight strength has been invaluable in many aspects of her career, helping her pitch to clients, influence internal decisions, and build strong relationships across multiple organizations as a trusted advisor.

Truthfully, Mary hadn’t thought about her Spotlight quality with fresh intentionality until taking the Strengths Profile assessment. It helped her realize that, at times, she leaned too heavily on it—and inspired her to use it more thoughtfully to elevate others' perspectives. She put this into practice the very next day during a high-stakes client meeting. She asked herself, How can I use Spotlight to genuinely move this conversation forward?  As a newer salesperson, rather than relying on charm, she focused on engaging critical stakeholders with clarity and energy. The result was a smooth, successful conversation where everyone felt aligned, heard, and energized.

Mary has since come to see Spotlight not as a spotlight on her, but as a tool she can turn outward. In mentoring sessions, she helps others find their voice without overshadowing them and tries to ensure they come to decisions with buy-in from the whole group. Outside of work, when organizing her recent grade school reunion, she uses her natural charisma to create buzz about the event, driving attendance and bringing people together.

For Mary, Spotlight is about presence with purpose. It’s not about being the center of attention; it’s about knowing when to lead, when to share the stage, and how to help others shine alongside you.

“Spotlight isn’t just about being seen or seeking praise (even though those things feel great!)—it’s a powerful tool which you can choose to use purposefully in both your personal life and career to shine your light on others and drive meaningful outcomes.”

- Mary