Thursday, March 1, 2018

Assessing Strengths

Recently, the place that I work sponsored a leadership development training program for the staff. I work at a private university and they are continually challenging us to grow in our positions, our education and as people. The assessment they took is called the CliftonStrengths Assessment. I was unable to attend the professional development seminar but was interested in finding out what my top five strengths were and learning how to use my strengths to best achieve the goals I have set for this year.

My top 5 strengths are:

Catalyst

"Your objective is to act and to initiate action. You cannot wait until the discussions are over, wondering when we can actually start doing something. Undoubtedly, sometimes the progress could be achieved in a meeting room, but deep down in your heart you know it’s the action that leads to tangible results. If some can be resistant to act because they don’t have full information, for you - acting is the best teacher and the best source of information. How can you know something does not work if we haven’t tried it? You make a decision, you take action, you look at the result, and you learn. As the result, you are impatient for action and, if not managed, it can lead to confusion of your team members. However, this talent of transforming intangible ideas into tangible actions is invaluable in every team. It’s all because you believe that you will be evaluated by what you get done, not what you say or what you think."

Believer

"Your objective is to believe and to do ‘the right thing’. Of course, ‘the right thing’ differs from person to person, but one thing is true - you have a certain set of values that you are not ready to compromise. Moreover, these values are like a compass guiding you, providing a direction and giving your life meaning and satisfaction. You believe that money is not the ultimate measure of success. Some people call you the person of purpose. Correspondingly, you choose people you spend time with and companies you work for with respect to the alignment to these values. It makes you very trustworthy and reliable in any environment. Your team members will always value your consistency."

Optimist

"Your objective is to bring positive spirit. If there is someone believing that the glass is half-full instead of half-empty - then it’s you. Whether it’s a work project or a daily situation - you always manage to find a way to make everything more exciting. You inject enthusiasm into people and that’s why they love to be around with you. Sure, there are people who don’t buy your positivity - but could it set you back? No way! Your optimism simply would not allow it! In a team environment, you are generous with praise, grateful for people and circumstances, and quick to find positive in every situation, which is key in motivating people and mitigating conflicts."

Brainstormer

"Your objective is to come up with new concepts and ideas. It’s not even your objective - it’s your way of life. You are constantly on the lookout to connect unconnectable things and to find new perspectives on familiar challenges. Whenever a new idea comes into your mind, you literally lit up like a light bulb. New angles, approaches and perspectives no matter how contrary or bizarre give you an endless source of energy. As the result, the others might see you as an innovative person willing to turn the world around and resort to you if they need some “out of the box” ideas. You are a clear source of creative juices in any team."

Coach

"Your objective is to develop people’s potential. Contrary to what others might think, you believe that every person has the potential for development. None of the people have achieved the ultimate level of excellence - there is always space to grow. You perceive it as a personal mission to help others utilize their potential and to experience success. As the result, you look for ways to facilitate their learning process - from challenging their thoughts in a discussion to creating environments which would facilitate learning process. You are one of those leaders that really care about the development of team members and they really appreciate it."

If you want to find out your top 5 strengths you can find the link I used here.

None of my strengths came as a real shocker. I want to learn how to take these strengths and use them to make me a better Christian, spouse, parent, friend, worker, and student. How can I take what I'm naturally inclined to do and use them to transform my home, my finances, and my life?

Often times I let my tank of positive energy and coaching empty while I'm at work. If I can take that enthusiasm and channel these ideals into my children I think it would change my outlook. The monotony of keeping home, chores, and life can sometimes break down my positive disposition. This is something I need to be aware of and work on. maintaining a positive attitude at home is almost more important than at work.

Seeing these strengths reminds me that my weaknesses are not following through, finishing a task, and sticking to a plan. These are the things I need to work on. I hope to grow in these areas by tackling them one small task at a time. If others have unlimited potential that means I must have it as well. How can I continue to grow as a person?

What is your top strength? How can we challenge each other?

Thank you for reading my blog. I greatly appreciate all of your support, kind words and ideas. I look forward to growing and moving forward on this journey with each of you.