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Getting to know me through my personal Strengths Profile

I think that my personal strengths and preferences can tell you a lot about how it would be to work with me - more than my credentials and experience, of which there are plenty.

When I took the Authentic Happiness Values in Action Strength Survey interest and curiosity showed up as my number one signature strength. And I scored 100% in each category of comparison - which apparently means that I am interested in everything.

My signature strengths are:

Curiosity and interest in the world – I am curious about everything. I am always asking questions and find all subjects and topics fascinating. I love exploration and discovery

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality  - I think of new ways to do things. Why do it the conventional way when a better way is possible?

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness  - I take the time to think things through and examine them from all sides. I don’t usually jump to conclusions and tend to rely on solid evidence to make a decision. But I don’t get locked in and am able to change my mind when needed.

Love of learning- I love, love, love learning new things. Just look at all the certificates I have. I am at home in an academic setting, read voraciously and jump at the chance to participate anywhere and everywhere that there is an opportunity to learn something new. I think that this may be a “strength gone wild” and at times needs a little taming.

Perspective (wisdom)  - The feedback from clients indicates that they value my perspective on matters and turn to me to get my point of view. It seems that they think that I have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to them. 

And from StrengthFinder:

Intellection – I am a smart person and have a developed and disciplined intellect. I favor introspection, musing and reflection. I love asking questions and figuring out problems and I am fascinated by ideas. I have to discipline myself to stay away from all those discussion lists as I could spend all day exploring the intricacies of an idea. I am always on a quest to stretch my mind and master something new – or old. Sometimes this side of me gets a little stuffy and stiff but it gives me a good balance and keeps me from getting too far “out there”. I dream of being part of a “think tank.”

Strategic – I must say I was happy to see this side of me reflected in my strength profile. I am a whiz at creating alternative ways to do things. I can spot the relevant patterns a mile away and just naturally see potential obstacles and those paths that will lead nowhere. I have a knack for finding ways out of confusing situations and finding the best way through the clutter. I am good at finding a strategy that keeps things moving forward.  I once was afraid that these tendencies would make me seem to wishy-washy – I could find my way around anything and was always able to find a new course if needed. But now I see this is actually what being strategic is all about.

Learner – I can’t escape it. I am passionate about learning and am obsessed about continuously improving what I do. I am energized by the prospect of increasing my competence. And I love to work in dynamic environments that challenge me to learn a lot.

Relator – I am not comfortable at cocktail parties and meeting people in large groups. I’d rather develop close relationships with people and help them achieve something they have set out to do. I connect with people one by one and can understand their fears, hopes, dreams, goals, thoughts, and feelings. I easily partner with people - holding a vision for their possibilities. As a matter of fact I can’t help it and I am working on getting a little bit personally detached from the outcomes of others.

Futuristic – Envisioning multiple future possibilities comes to me naturally. I see no limit of detailed scenarios and visions for the future. I am inspired by what could be and am a great dreamer for both myself and others.  I have no problem in supporting others in raising their sights and their spirits. I let daydreams pull me forward. After all, dreams are the stuff from which realities are made.