So, there’s a simple test you can take to identify which of several dozen traits are your “strengths.” The results include a breakdown of your top five strengths, a personalized report identifying what makes you stand out from others, and ten ideas for action associated with each of your top five strengths.
When I first heard about the test, I was pretty skeptical. I’m of the opinion that most tests like these (including the popular Myers-Briggs test) are less about the facts and more about The Forer Effect. But when a co-worker’s results pegged exactly what I had suspected were his best traits, I decided to give the StrengthsFinder a go.
My top five strengths, in no particular order, are:
Communication. I put thoughts into words very easily. I’m a strong conversationalist and presenter. I welcome the opportunity to tell people stories, and my presentations generate excitement. I love gathering information and sorting through it for insights to share. Because I’m forthcoming about my personal experiences, others become more comfortable sharing theirs. Few activities delight me as much as evoking laughter, learning, and delight in an audience, and I work hard at helping people express their own points of view.
Relator. I work best when working independently. Having to deal with classmates or group members hinders my progress, but I enjoy working closely with people I trust to reach a common goal. I’m honest about my strengths and limits, admitting what I need to do better. I enjoy acquiring knowledge. People often turn to me for ideas and insights, because I quickly sense what information will best meet their needs.
Connectedness. I have faith in the links between all things. There are few coincidences; everything has meaning. I appreciate, but don’t need logical or rational explanations for everything, and enjoy the mystery of life. I help people understand what they have in common. I make it easier for people to talk to each other, despite differences in language or culture. I quickly perceive how people are different, and I’m especially sensitive to how one person’s optimistic or negative thoughts impact their connections with others.
Individualization. I’m intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. I like making people aware of the news and events I know will interest them. I handle criticism well, and seek out people who I can count on for frank advice about my shortcomings. I concentrate more on overcoming my flaws and mistakes than on leveraging my strengths. I streamline explanations, identifying the essential facts and tailoring information to suit the unique needs of the audience.
Strategic. When faced with a challenge, I find alternative ways to proceed. Given any scenario, I quickly spot relevant patterns and issues. I effortlessly verbalize my ideas and thoughts. I enjoy brainstorming, seeking solutions, and even debates. I see opportunities and trends before others do, and I have a knack for sorting through an overwhelming amount of information to find what really matters. I generate numerous ideas and solutions, and quickly proceed to the one that makes the most sense.
So, gentle reader: did the StrengthsFinder peg me? The points around facilitating communication, sensing connections, spotting relevance, tailoring information, and finding patterns all feel right to me, but something tells me you’ll have a more objective take on these results than I will.
Meantime: if you’re interested in taking the test yourself, you can buy the book from Amazon.com; once you do, you’ll get a code you can use to take the test online.
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