Strengths: Communication

Strength #1: Communication

Wait, what does that mean? I find it easy to put my thoughts into words. I'm a good conversationalist and presenter.I am rarely tongue-tied; and find ways to present my ideas in reasonable, sequential, and methodical ways. I am a storyteller.

How do I use this knowledge? Suggested action steps:

Consider publishing your work.

Volunteer for opportunities to present.

Spend words wisely and monitor their impact.

Develop knowledge and expertise in specific areas.

Leading with Communication: Find ways to build others up, in writing. Offer praise and collect success stories.

Roles in which I would succeed: Marketing, sales, ministry, or media.

Strengths: Strategic

Strength #2: Strategic

Wait, what does that mean? I am talented in finding alternate ways to proceed. I can quickly spot relevant patterns and issues. I develop action plans, sometimes finding solutions before others can even understand the question. I have little to no interest in repeating the mistakes of the past.

How do I use this knowledge? Suggested action steps:

Because I can see repercussions ahead of time, plan my range of responses in detail.

Consider all possible paths toward making a vision a reality - think of all potential obstacles.

Help others understand that I'm not a naysayer - I'm trying to examine how to accomplish the idea.

Trust my intuitive insights

Leading with Strategic: Discuss options candidly and thoroughly with all involved. Apply strategic thinking with relationships - map out how to invest and build the relationships with those who have the most influence in my life. Use my gift to see ways when others think it's hopeless.

Roles in which I would succeed: Management, producers, entrepreneurs

Strengths: Input

Strength #3: Input

Wait, what does that mean? I have a desire to know more; a lust to collect and archive information. I like to read - a lot, and collect what I read. (Helps explain why I have such a large collection of books!)

How do I use this knowledge? Suggested action steps:

Devise a system to store and easily locate information.

"Input without output can lead to stagnation." - Be aware of who can use the knowledge and use my other gifts to get the knowledge to them.

Schedule time to read books and articles that stimulate you.

Increase your vocabulary.

Roles in which I would succeed: Teaching, Research, Journalism

Strengths: Woo

Strength #4: Woo

Wait, what does that mean? Woo apparently stands for "Winning others over." I derive satisfaction from meeting new people and making connections.I 'exude an exuberant outlook towards life' while 'regale people with illuminating accounts of incidents in my life.' Basically - I like being around people and charming them.

How do I use this knowledge? Suggested action steps:

Deliberately build the network of people who know me.

Learn the names of as many people as I can.

Whenever possible, be one of the first people others meet.

Practice ways to charm and engage others.

Partner with a person who is skilled in relating or empathy, so they can grow the relationships I cultivate.

Practice telling stories. I want to be a great storyteller (which relates to another one of my upcoming talents, hint hint), and to do that I need to practice more - identify what elements of story work and what don't.

Roles in which I would succeed: A job in which I can interact with many people over the course of a day (receptionist?)

I think this relates to how I am interested in small group communities.I like being in group settings and charming people. It reminds me of conversations my wife and I had when we were getting married - because she is very skilled in relating and empathizing (not my cup of tea, by any means). We were excited about the partnership - because she can relate one on one, and I can relate in group settings. I'm excited to see that identified as a positive step, and one I've started working on.

Strengths: Adaptability

I recently took a "Strengths Finder 2.0" strengths assessment test. You buy this book which gives you a code to take the test online. It's 120 questions, or something, and the questions are all "continuum" questions. There are two statements on a line, and you have to choose which statement is more true. Frequently the statements don't seem to be related or contradictory, which is supposed to help you split the hair a little better.

So for the next week or two, I'm going to be reviewing my results, one 'talent' at a time. (They give your top 5). I'll count up from the bottom.

Strength #5: Adaptability

Wait, what does that mean? I go with the flow. (It's true. Most people know me as a rather easy-going fellow, one who doesn't make waves.) Gallup says that I tend to make plans through the day, but refuse to be held to an inflexible and rigid schedule.

This puts words to something I feel - why I prefer to drive everywhere almost exclusively. I don't like being somewhere at someone else's whim - I want the freedom to adapt and move where I want.

How do I use this knowledge? A few suggested action steps:

Don't let others abuse your inherent flexibility. Cultivate your reputation as a calm and reassuring person. Seek roles in which success depends on responding to constantly changing circumstances. Openly use your reassuring demeanor to soothe disgruntled friends or coworkers.

Roles in which I would succeed: Live action television/radio, customer service, emergency response.

One thing that the guy who introduced the program mentioned about this survey is that for many people, taking Strengths Finder isn't a revelation of their skills or talents - it's a vocabulary lesson, helping put words to feelings and actions that have already been apparent. I certainly feel this way about this talent.