You want to be very significant in the eyes of other people. In the truest sense of the word you want to be recognized. You want to be heard. You want to stand out. You want to be known. In particular, you want to be known and appreciated for the unique strengths you bring. You feel a need to be admired as credible, professional, and suc- cessful. Likewise, you want to associate with others who are credible, professional, and successful. And if they aren't, you will push them to achieve until they are. Or you will move on. An independent spirit, you want your work to be a way of life rather than a job, and in that work you want to be given free rein, the leeway to do things your way. Your yearnings feel intense to you, and you honor those yearnings. And so your life is filled with goals, achievements, or qualifications that you crave. Whatever your focus-and each person is distinct-your Significance theme will keep pulling you upward, away from the mediocre toward the exceptional. It is the theme that keeps you reaching. 

Significance sounds like this: Mary P., healthcare executive: "Women are told almost from day one, 'Don't be: too proud. Don't stand tall.' That kind of thing. But I've learned that it's okay to have 
power, it's okay to have pride, and it's okay to have a big ego. And also that I need t9z 
manage it and drive it in the right directions." ~ 
Kathie J., partner in a law firm: "Ever since I can remember I have had the feelYii ing that I was special, that I could take charge and make things happen. Back in th~~ sixties I was the first woman partner in my finn, and I can still recall walking intg~ 
Co" 
boardroom after boardroom and being the only woman. It's strange, thinking back. J~i 
was tough, but I actually think I enjoyed the pressure of standing out. I enjoyed beiri~l 
." 
the 'woman' partner. Why? Because I knew that I would be very hard to forget.:~: 
knew everyone would notice me and pay attention to me." JJ 
John L., physician: "All through my life I felt that I was onstage. I am alwai~ 
aware of an audience. If I am sitting with a patient, I want the patient to see me as th~ "' 
best doctor he or she has ever had. If I am teaching medical students, I want to stap~ 
out as the best medical educator they have ever had. I want to win the Educator of tii~ 
"' 
Year Award. My boss is a big audience for me. Disappointing her would kill me. Itj;~ 
scary to think that part of my self-esteem is in other people's hands, but then again,;~~ Cf 
keeps me on my toes." ;;~ 
;;:~ CC" ,~ 'q t;