It's been a cold couple of rainy gray days around here, but fear not, I will take a break from watching movies to blog just for you :)
The reason I'm watching movies is because there have been LOTS of public holidays here lately. To be exact we have had 5 days off spread out over 2 work weeks which has allowed me plenty of time to nap, do dishes, read and organize my little nook of an apartment.
When we weren't on holiday, I did get to participate in two days of staff training that was very interesting and helpful, and which I highly recommend. Have you heard of "Strength's Finder"? It's a popular book/development training module that helps people to identify their natural talents and then go and use them! Living Hope is using it with every department and, so far, it has been really useful in helping us to understand the people we work with better, as well as how we can work most effectively as individuals.
Strength's Finder was designed by the Gallup organization (yes the one that does all the polls) after a nationwide survey of revealed that only 20% of people believe that they are doing what they do best in their current workplace. Sadly, that means that as a whole, we are only operating at 20% of our potential productivity. Strength's Finder makes the argument that if we could all do what we do best, then productivity and overall job satisfaction could go up significantly!
You have to purchase a book in order to take the online assessment, and the one-time-use code is in the back of every book. You can buy the book here that includes an in-depth application to working in your community and includes scripture, or you can get the plain version instead here.
After you take the test, Strengths Finder identifies your top 5 key "themes" or "strengths" out of a total of 34 and only gives you the five that you score the highest in. (ie) It only tells you what you do well, not what you don't do well. They are very big on not focusing on your weaknesses. The entire premise is that if you focused only on what you do well, you are more likely to greatly excel and achieve in those particular areas, rather than trying to do something that you would not not naturally excel in. It differs from personality tests or spiritual gifts assessments, in that personality tells you WHO you are, spiritual gifts give you an idea of WHAT you should be doing, and Strength's Finder tells you HOW you should be doing it. I think it's a nice supplement to other personal development tools, especially if you are making a job change or wanting to do better in the job you already have.
I was a little surprised by my top 5 strengths, mostly because I was hoping for more "concrete" and well-rounded giftings, but since the other people in my training were not surprised by my "giftings", I guess it's accurate enough :) Apparently this is the way God made me, sharp edges and all!
1. Activator- You generate enthusiasm so people become as eager as you are to transform an idea into something tangible. People who are especially talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. You challenge others to view major and minor assignments as opportunities to excel.
2. Input- People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information. Because of your strengths, you often can be found reading books, publications, or Internet sites. Because you continually satisfy your hunger for information, you typically have facts to share or stories to tell.
3. Positivity-People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. The glass is always half full. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
4. Learner- People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. Driven by your talents, you earnestly direct your attention toward the ideas, issues, situations, or possibilities that stir your curiosity. In fact, you devote more time than most people do to exploring topics, problems, prospects, opportunities, or techniques that pique your interest. When something has to be completed, you are eager to acquire the necessary knowledge or skills to meet the challenge.
5. Achiever- People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive. When obstacles arise, you become even more determined to succeed. Driven by your talents, you throw yourself into your work even when you are personally inconvenienced.
You can also see how easy it could be for your biggest strength to become your biggest weakness, if not used properly. Positive people get their feelings hurt easily. Activators can be very impatient. Achievers step on other people without knowing it. Learners are know-it-alls. Therefore, taking the test is just the first step... developing your gifts comes next.
So now I know, and I'm off to work on sharpening the above talents into usable skills. But I'm curious, has anyone else done the test? What did you think? What are your top 5?
i LOVE Strengths Finder. I did the assessment before we moved to DC, in hopes of guiding my next stage of professional life.
My 5 are:
Input
Intellection
Learner
Positivity
Relator
No wonder we're friends. :)
there aren't enough strengths to describe you my friend. I miss you. Hope all is well. Enjoy all those holidays and hopefully it won't get too cold or rainy. Love ya, girl.
Tracy
Love it. Mine are:
Maximizer
Connectedness
Communication
Positivity
Empathy
Aww thanks Tracy! You need to just go ahead and bring your little strengths right back on over here. Nuff said.
Halls- Thanks for sharing! We so ARE friends! 3 out of 5 ain't bad! Looking back now, do you think knowing any of that has helped you in your career?
Kaylan- Girl I should have known that those 5 were so you from a mile away! You are just that awesome. Good combo dear one!
I also love StrengthsFinders and use it at BWM. Here are mine.
Achiever
Harmony
Developer
Belief
Activator
Jen- Thanks for sharing. Love to hear what makes you uniquely you! It's neat that we share some common strengths and I'm sensing some good reasons that we are all friends :) As a side note, your gifts are clearly evident in your everyday life and I think you just might be in the right career! Wink wink! I'm so blessed to be surrounded by amazing people... Love you...