Last April, I did the StrengthsFinder survey. I had wanted to do it for a while, and finally got around to it, making sure to take my time going through it, really wanting it to be an accurate analysis. I was pretty impressed with how spot-on the results seemed. I know a lot of companies that ask folks to take this survey in order to make sure they know the strengths of their employees and to build the most successful teams. I think it's a great idea. So when an executive at work asked me yesterday if I had taken it, and asked if I would send her the results, I gladly complied. Here are my top 5, and the summary. Pretty fitting, no?
- Relator
- Context
- Empathy
- Developer
- Futuristic
When I gave this to the person who requested it, she said (in jest) that I should have been a nurse :) It's funny, because aside from having to stick people with sharp objects, I often think I would have loved being in nursing or a similar field.
With so many people today unhappy with their work, fighting for jobs and willing to take any job (understandably in this economy), it's a shame that early on - high school, college, and early career years - more focus isn't placed on a person's true inner strengths and abilities. Kids are rushed and pressured to pick a college, pick a major, and pick a job, that I can't help but think that many people are missing the chance to follow their passion - where their strength lies.
One of my goals this year (not a resolution, because I don't make those) is to focus on my strengths, and all the things I am uniquely suited to do in this world.
Descriptions:
(1) Relator
People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
...Driven by your talents, you may be regarded by some individuals as a fine trainer, tutor, or instructor. Occasionally you describe yourself in these terms. Instinctively, you sometimes declare you are as productive as you can be, especially when people allow you to work independently. Having to deal with teammates, classmates, or group members may stymie — that is, hinder — your progress. By nature, you have close companions who frequently seek your guidance. You help them find answers to their personal and professional problems. This makes you a valuable friend....
(2) Context
People who are especially talented in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history.
...It’s very likely that you are intrigued by experts who can enlighten you about past events or historic people. You are particularly interested in history’s contribution to the current state of affairs. Driven by your talents, you periodically investigate some of the events, policies, or people whose actions contributed to worldwide wars. Because of your strengths, you may be a history buff — that is, someone who enjoys studying the past. Chances are good that you may believe that history repeats itself. Sometimes you discover that current events are mere reflections of past occurrences. In your mind, perhaps what has already happened explains the present and foreshadows the future. By nature, you welcome opportunities to hear historians share their thoughts, stories, or theories about prominent people. Your interest probably extends to important events...
(3) Empathy
People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others’ lives or others’ situations.
...Driven by your talents, you might contribute to the sense of well-being or contentment others experience. To some extent, you make a point of knowing particular people as individuals. You might notice what makes them distinct or different from everyone else. When you are meeting certain people for the first time, maybe you say or do things to make them laugh and smile. Instinctively, you might work persistently to lift people’s spirits. Perhaps you naturally see the good in individuals or situations. By nature, you may be pleased when certain individuals share with you their emotions, thoughts, or needs. Perhaps you know some of the things they will say even before they speak. Because of your strengths, you may be able to brighten a person’s day by accurately describing an emotion he or she is feeling. It might be sadness or happiness, disappointment or elation, despair or hope, hate or love, tranquility or anger. Perhaps your awareness of certain individuals’ moods helps them turn around their negative thinking. Some of your best days might come when you change at least one frown into a smile. Chances are good that you may feel honored when specific individuals trust you enough to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Perhaps you understand that the act of listening is both helpful and healing...
(4) Developer
People who are especially talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from these improvements.
...It’s very likely that you may do whatever it takes to know someone on a personal level. Periodically the insights you gain help you bestow appropriate recognition on the individual. To some extent, you instinctively understand the level of attention or the amount of time the person needs from you to feel truly appreciated. Perhaps the experience of winning means more to you than any monetary reward. Instinctively, you like to lift the spirits of the people around you. You know what to do and say so individuals feel useful, valued, appreciated, and important. By nature, you occasionally take time to discover some of the likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams, or idiosyncrasies of individuals. You might gain satisfaction from telling people how much you value their contributions and accomplishments. Chances are good that you can sometimes instill a sense of self-worth in individuals. Perhaps you are one of the people in their lives who values them, sees what they can become, and believes in them...
(5) Futuristic
People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.
...Because of your strengths, you occasionally put great effort into conjuring mental images of the future. Perhaps some people lack your ability to envision what will be possible in the coming months, years, or decades. As a result, they may rely on you to do this visioning for them. Instinctively, you may design forward-looking plans for a specific aspect of your life, such as investments, entrepreneurial ventures, education, vacations, or retirement. Driven by your talents, you are a visionary thinker. Your vivid mental images of the coming months, years, or decades often impel you to move into action. It’s very likely that you may sense that your life has deep meaning. With remarkable vividness, you occasionally imagine where you will be, what you will be doing, and what you will have the ability to accomplish in the coming months, years, or decades. To some degree, your dreams of tomorrow are alive in your mind today. Perhaps you strive to transform these possibilities into reality. Chances are good that you gain a certain degree of satisfaction from envisioning what your life and the world might be like in the coming months, years, or decades...
spot on!!!
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