Woo & Walter White

If you’ve followed my blog, you know I’m a fan of alliteration in my blog titles.

I felt like it would be an exciting challenge to fit each topic into that framework. I also enjoy a good gimmick.

Today we’re talking about Woo.

Woo is the talent theme that gets the most eyebrow raises when people first come across the word.

And for this one, I cheated a bit. This blog really isn’t just about Walter White, Bryan Cranston’s lead character from Breaking Bad. This one is about one of his co-stars, played by Bob Odenkirk.

Get it twisted. The star of this post is Saul Goodman, a character who’s practically a case study in the CliftonStrengths talent of Woo.

Saul Goodman knows how to win people over, which, in his line of work, isn’t just a skill; it’s a necessity.

And when he crosses paths with Walter White, that Woo talent “shines” in full force.

If You Are One Of The Few People Who Have Not Seen Breaking Bad

Where have you been? Ok, a quick recap:

Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher turned meth manufacturer. At first he was driven by his wife’s terminal cancer diagnosis to provide for his family. That positive intent goes south, as he later became a power-driven crime figure.

Saul Goodman is a typical fast-talking, billboard-appearing, ambulance-chasing lawyer with the street smarts and charm needed to bend the law for his clients. Saul becomes Walter White’s money laundering whisperer, enabling each of their ambitions.

Saul’s Woo

Saul loves to open conversations with humor or a surprising angle. He’s always quick with a joke, a nickname, or a personal anecdote to get people on his side, which is evident in his initial interaction with Walter (“Should I call the FBI and tell them I found D.B. Cooper”).

People with Woo talent tend to have an ability to connect. They can build a rapport easily and get energy from interacting with new people.

They have a knack for making other people feel valued right away and can disarm others who might be more socially apprehensive. They might have an energy and enthusiasm when they enter the room and create a positive first impression. Networking and expanding their social circle excites people with Woo talent.

I see you all over my LinkedIn feed, people of Woo!

Using your Woo for good

Unlike Saul, who used his Woo to aid and abet a sprawling criminal enterprise, knowing how to productively apply your Woo can do incredible things for a team.

I recently reviewed a Top 5 report with a friend who I have known since college. Before he even took the test I knew he had Woo talents, and my suspicions were confirmed. I talked to him about how Woo is near the bottom of my 34 and that is why we’ve always made such a good team together. As a small business owner, his Woo is the secret sauce of his success as he is a marvel at connecting and networking with people. If we worked together, I’d definitely lean on that talent of his to help the organization move forward.

Challenge your assumptions

After the show Breaking Bad concluded, AMC and the creator of the show came out with the prequel to the series called “Better Call Saul”.

We got to see the backstory of how Saul (Jimmy McGill) came to be who he was. For me, knowing his full history really helped me make sense of who he became.

I think that’s a great example of the importance of sharing our talent results with our fellow team members.

We’ll never get 6 seasons of critically acclaimed shows about Phil from Accounting, but if our organization gives us time and space to explore each other’s talents we can learn each other’s stories and put aside some of the negative biases that may come with someone with a talent like Woo.

Here’s what I mean — maybe Phil comes across as superficial to you. Perhaps his connections around the office feel shallow or insincere. But if we know that he has Woo as a talent, we might better understand and avoid those misconceptions.

Maybe Phil seems easily distracted or lacking focus. Not what we want from someone in Accounting of all places!

But Phil just really gets energy out of meeting new people and is outgoing and social. He’s not trying to be the center of attention out of some ill-perceived motivation. That’s just who Phil is, and appreciating that can go a long way.

As for what ultimately happened to Walter White, I won’t spoil the show for you.

But if you find your team Breaking Bad when it comes to making connections, my advice is that’s when you… Better Call Woo.