Do you have a better understanding of your personal strengths or your personal weaknesses? It seems like a very easy question but when I was asked this same question during a StrengthsQuest seminar I wasn't entirely sure of my answer. The thoughts that popped up in my head was I can do this but need a little work in some areas here and I am getting better at that, but I never once thought of a solid answer to something I was definitely good at. It was in essence a sad realization and a good reflection of our society. As it is a tough question, most would argue to focus on improving your weakness so they can become a part of your strengths, this seems like a logical reasoning. Rather I would focus on using your personal strengths and try to control your weaknesses. It becomes a tough balance but I acquired good insight while analyzing my strengths that it's important to always put these attributes forward.
In our society, I have noticed our abilities are analyzed based upon what we need to learn, build, and perfect rather than the strong contribution we can provide. Recently in my drawing class I made a decision to incorporate fabric within my still-life because it's something that doesn't come easily. My intention was "practice makes perfect" and if I worked hard on something I wasn't good at it was come easier to me. Although I was wrong. Instead I was questioned by my professor why I included something in my drawing that I wasn't good. At first it didn't make sense to me, I wanted to prove to myself that I could perfect my fabric drawings abilities. But after going through a StrengthsQuest seminar a few weeks again I have a better understanding where to focus on.
Within the StrengthsQuest seminar, I was asked a series of questions and based upon my answers I was given my top 5 strengths to capitalize on through academic, career, and personal success. My top 5 strengths were Achiever, Woo, Communication Strategic, and Includer. Below is a short description of the following strengths.
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.
Communication: People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.
Includer: People who are especially talented in the Includer theme are accepting of others. They show awareness of those who feel left out, and make an effort to include them.
Strategic: People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Woo: People who are especially talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person.
During the seminar after receiving and analyzing these strengths we were put into different scenarios of what strengths we look for in others while working in groups or during crisis situations. I found it interesting that those who shared the same strengths as me utilized and perceived the strength different than myself based upon personal qualities, past experiences, and outside situations. How you perceive yourself and present these strengths is pivotal for interviews and the way you present yourself to employers. Employers look for what attributes you can contribute to the business.
If you are ever presented with the opportunity to take a strengths test of any type I encourage you too. For the seminar might be a long seminar taking up most of your Saturday afternoon, the results you get are extremely educational for yourself. Knowing your personal strengths and weaknesses can give you a lot of insights in understanding and changing yourself. And it will help you to make the right decisions. #FindStrength
I always encourage you to do what you do best and put your best effort forward.
In our society, I have noticed our abilities are analyzed based upon what we need to learn, build, and perfect rather than the strong contribution we can provide. Recently in my drawing class I made a decision to incorporate fabric within my still-life because it's something that doesn't come easily. My intention was "practice makes perfect" and if I worked hard on something I wasn't good at it was come easier to me. Although I was wrong. Instead I was questioned by my professor why I included something in my drawing that I wasn't good. At first it didn't make sense to me, I wanted to prove to myself that I could perfect my fabric drawings abilities. But after going through a StrengthsQuest seminar a few weeks again I have a better understanding where to focus on.
Within the StrengthsQuest seminar, I was asked a series of questions and based upon my answers I was given my top 5 strengths to capitalize on through academic, career, and personal success. My top 5 strengths were Achiever, Woo, Communication Strategic, and Includer. Below is a short description of the following strengths.
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.
Communication: People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.
Includer: People who are especially talented in the Includer theme are accepting of others. They show awareness of those who feel left out, and make an effort to include them.
Strategic: People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Woo: People who are especially talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person.
During the seminar after receiving and analyzing these strengths we were put into different scenarios of what strengths we look for in others while working in groups or during crisis situations. I found it interesting that those who shared the same strengths as me utilized and perceived the strength different than myself based upon personal qualities, past experiences, and outside situations. How you perceive yourself and present these strengths is pivotal for interviews and the way you present yourself to employers. Employers look for what attributes you can contribute to the business.
If you are ever presented with the opportunity to take a strengths test of any type I encourage you too. For the seminar might be a long seminar taking up most of your Saturday afternoon, the results you get are extremely educational for yourself. Knowing your personal strengths and weaknesses can give you a lot of insights in understanding and changing yourself. And it will help you to make the right decisions. #FindStrength
I always encourage you to do what you do best and put your best effort forward.