The StrengthsFinder is a test which is designed to inform the taker of their strongest 5 talents or skills – chosen from a set of 34 – in order to enable the taker to understand these talents and the possible pitfalls they face. My talents were as follows: restorative, learner, belief, context, and input.
Understanding the frames of which I function within – unstated motivations, priorities and methods – gives me a language and context with which to inform my choices in designing a team or placing myself within one that will play best to the strengths I can offer. Knowing for instance, that I have a tendency to seek a wealth of information before asserting a position, I can communicate that those I work with so they might understand why I would work well in a position of research. Each member of the team – including myself – is more individually secure in their understanding of where they thrive and can self-identify where we each might be placed for the best effect.
Knowing my strengths also gives me a baseline for how I interact and the pitfalls of the traits I carry; I can extend my attention to areas that I need to be more conscientious of and self-correct bad habits far earlier than depending on my teammates to correct me as well as mitigate instances that might irritate or frustrate me.
