StrengthsFinder


	Buckingham, M., Clifton, D. O. (2001). Now, discover your strengths. New York: Free Press.

The Gallup StrengthsFinder®, which comes with the book listed above in the citation via the Internet, reported the following strength themes and descriptions, which I paraphrased, in order of intensity:

The first four themes are found in the thinking arena and the last them is found in the motivator area.

Those with a strength in intellection tend to like mental activity. The other strengths dictate the subject of thought. They like to spend time alone to muse, reflect, and focus on problem solutions. They are introspective. Wherever their thoughts lead them, the mental hum is one of the constants of their life.

Those with the strength of input like to collect things. The things collected are not limited to objects such as antique lamps or cars. Collectable's can be in the form of information such as books, facts, or quotations. Whatever is collected is usually of some interest or significance. Their mind is the kind of mind that finds many things intriguing. The world is exciting because of its infinite variety and complexity. Reading isn't engaged to refine theories, but to gain information. Those with this strength feel uncomfortable throwing things away - the item may become useful, or it may be too interesting to give up.

Those who have a strength theme of learner simply love to learn. The other themes determine the subject mater of key interest. However, whatever the subject, they are always drawn to the process of learning. It is this process that generates the excitement more than the subject. Those who have this strength love dynamic work environments and situations where they are asked to learn a lot about new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. However the outcome of learning is less significant that the "getting there." Those with this theme do not necessarily become experts in the subject of interest.

Those with a strength theme identified as deliberative are very careful and vigilant, tend to be private and know that the world is an unpredictable place. Everything may seem to be in order, but beneath the surface, they sense the many risks. Rather than denying the risks, they draw them out into the open so that they can be identified, assessed, and ultimately reduced. Those with this strength tend to plan ahead and identify contingencies. Friends are cautiously selected. When personal matters are are discussed, those with this theme tend to keep their own counsel.

Those with the strength theme Achiever have a constant need for achievement, every day starts at zero and something tangible must have been completed before they feel good about themselves. A day of rest is exceedingly difficult to endure. There is an internal fire burning inside of those with this strength - it pushes them to do more. This relentless need for achievement might not be logical or focused, but it is there nevertheless. They must learn to live with the whisper of discontentment when goals are not achieved in the time expected, or nothing is available to achieve for the moment. However, this strength brings the energy needed to work long hours without burning out. It is the theme that keeps them moving.

This single instrument did more to bolster the seeds of confidence and belief in myself than all of the other instruments combined. Growing up, I was called "Mr. Scientist," the "Geek," or "Professor," never fitting in. People avoided me because I was very different. The outcome of this instrument was the discovery that there isn't one in 10,000 people that can do what I can do the way I can do it. I am uniquely equipped to fulfill God's purpose and plan for my life and can significantly contribute to the lives of others. I am willing to step up to the plate in areas that I would not have considered engaging a year ago.

Clicking on the StrengthsFinder Logo below will bring up more resources about the instrument. Each item in yellow is a link to other pages.