Strengths

So I walked into work this morning and was presented with some "Monday fun". My boss gave me a book Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath. She explained that it was something they had done in the office and would take an hour or so to read and take the online test to find out what your strengths were. In reading, the book focuses on how to work on your strengths and fine tune them rather than try to become better at your weaknesses. By doing this you will be happier and not become bored with the things you do at work and home. I read the short 30 some pages of the book and how the studies worked and found it highly interesting. Something that tells you to focus on the things that you do well already and hone in on them rather than become something that you naturally are not intrigued me. I went online, put in my special code and took the test. The results were interesting and pretty well decribed me. I love tests that tell you how you really are an not how you want to be perceived. That is what this did. My results are as follows with a breif decription of what they mean.



1. Maximizer: People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into
something superb.



2. 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.



3. Adaptability: People who are especially talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to “go with the flow.” They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.



4. 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.



5. Command: People who are especially talented in the Command theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions.



The more detailed descriptions I found very interesting and insightful. They also give you top 10 things under each strength to take action on improving and using those strengths. I have not read through all those yet, but found it really interesting.



On a similar note, last Friday I was given another test to deturmine my "color" of skills at work. Mine was RED. Here is what it means: Adventure
-Break the rules
-In the middle of the action
-Wants to handle things now!
-Creative and innovative
-Hates rules and ultimatums
-Action-oriented
-Competitive
-Risk taker
-May act in haste

Reds are concerned more about what’s happening now than what’s in the future. If it isn’t fun, forget it. They are often bored, restless, and want to ACT NOW!

Reds learn by experiencing – not reading manuals. They are witty charming, naturally competitive.

To communicate with reds, talk about immediate benefits and get to the point quickly, then go back and fill in the details.

Emphasize actions items.

Use humor and keep the atmosphere fun.

Has anyone else taken these tests? If so, I am interested to know what you are and if you feel it relates to you. I feel mine really relate to me and how I am. Let me know, those of you who know me personally and/or quite well, if you think these describe me well or even at all.

As a final thought from the book today, I think it is important that we focus on our strengths and team up with those who a strong in areas that we are weak. Shine where you should and don't worry about rest. It just might not be your area to.