Martin Seligman, professor at UPenn and Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the university has a test to identify your signature strengths. I have come to appreciate the fact that Seligman's work is going to come front and center in the next several years as we turn away from an overwhelming emphasis on left-brain thinking to right-brain thinking.
i took the test today and discovered that my core strengths are as follows:
Your Top Strength
Industry, diligence, and perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it
out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work,
and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.
Your Second Strength
Appreciation of beauty and excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in
all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to
everyday experience.
Your Third Strength
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your
life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without
pretense; you are a "real" person.
Your Fourth Strength
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You
never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
Your Fifth Strength
Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge,
difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is
opposition. You act on your convictions.
Yeah, great stuff. I'd follow this up with reading "Go Put Your Strengths to Work" by Marcus Buckingham for additional punch. While knowing strength categories is enlightening, knowing what behaviors and specific activities you do that "make you feel strong" is even better.
By the way, my signature strengths are as follows (though I don't know that I WANT to get away from left-brained thinking with most of these as strengths):
1) Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
2) Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
3) Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums--anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.
4) Humor and playfulness
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.
Your Fifth Strength
5) Fairness, equity, and justice
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.
Posted by: Michael J. Coffey | December 04, 2007 at 10:04 PM
This was really interesting. Here are my signature strenghts - you know me pretty well, do you agree?
Your Top Strength
Industry, diligence, and perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.
Your Second Strength
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.
Your Third Strength
Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.
Your Fourth Strength
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
Your Fifth Strength
Kindness and generosity
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
Posted by: Pernille Christensen | December 20, 2007 at 09:08 AM