Do you know your Personality Strengths?

To make your self-discovery easy, I have summarized a list of Personality Strengths. This information is based on NOW, Discover your strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. pages: 83-116. 

We will continue the process of defining your strengths. Read the description. Check it if the portrayal fits you. Write “No,” if it is totally unlike you. Highlight a sentence if only that part describes who you are as a person. You can also note traits of other people you know.            

Are you an…..

_____Harmony: This personality seeks agreement and dislikes conflict and friction. When there are differing views, you will look for common ground. You will steer others from confrontation and towards harmony. You find it surprising when others try to impose their views on others and encourage keeping opinions in check.  You will often hold your peace when you disagree with others. In fact, you are willing to modify your objectives to make things go smoother. You do not like to rock the boat and will often steer the conversation to practical matters where agreement can be found.

_____Ideation: This trait is fascinated by ideas. This type of mind is always searching for connections and is delighted when you discover simple concepts to explain a complex circumstance. This trait celebrates in taking the world as we know and turning it around so we can view it from a new and enlighten angle. You love the profound, the novel and the bizarre. Ideas are thrilling, and others often find you creative, original, conceptual or smart.

_____Inclusiveness: This trait longs to include others and makes them feel part of the group. But you avoid groups that are exclusive. This personality does not want to put others on the outside. Instead, you want to draw them in and feel the warmth of the group. You very rarely judge and believe that we are all the same and equally important and, therefore, should be included.

_____Individualization: This personality is intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. You don’t care for generalizations or types because you feel each person is special and distinct. You look for differences and pick up on other people’s motivation, opinions, relationships, stories, and strengths. From this knowledge, you tailor your actions to fit each person. Therefore, you are very good at building productive teams because you can see what each person will do well.

_____Input: This trait is inquisitive and is a collector. You collect what interests you. You find many things interesting, and you love variety and complexity. Your life is full of acquiring, compiling and filing stuff away. It keeps your mind fresh, and you believe that you never know what will prove valuable.

_____Intellection: Thinking, mental activity, exercising the muscles of your brain and stretching into a variety of directions is the key to this personality. Sometimes you may lack focus. Your mind gets enticed into so many directions. You often are your best companion because you like to spend your time musing and in reflection. Wherever your mind leads you, you can count on your mental hum as one of the constants of your life.

_____Learner: This trait is drawn to the process of learning. The process is what excites you the most. Your goal is to go from ignorance to competence.  The thrill of learning new facts and becoming more knowledgeable attracts you. You thrive in dynamic work environments where short projects and new subject matter is often required. It is more the process than becoming an expert that is what you enjoy.

_____ Maximizer: Excellence, not being the average is your measure. Transforming something to be superb is thrilling. Like a diver after pearls, you will look for telltale signs of strength. Once you have found someone with a great talent, you love to nurture it, refine it, and stretch it towards excellence. You are discriminating and spend time with people who value your coaching skills. You don’t like it when others point out what you lack. Instead, you want to capitalize on the gifts with which you are blessed. Finding and strengthening gifts is what is fun, productive and more demanding.

Continue with Part 6 in this series to read more definitions of personality strengths.

If you would like to research this subject more, try the books: Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Ron Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, Personality Types by John-Nwankwo RN, MSN or Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type by Isabel Briggs Myers.

Some other articles written by this author are, Define your Values, Focus your Life!, Empower Yourself to Move Forward in Life…Starting Today; Empowerment and Priorities: Uncover your Top 5 By Vicki Langemo, LPC, MA. These can be found at www.supportivetalk.com