Restorative. Connectedness. Strategic. Intellection. Developer. These are my five CliftonStrengths. As part of Agnes Scott’s SUMMIT curriculum, each first year is assessed to uncover their five dominant themes. The CliftonStrengths are tools I use to understand my leadership skills and college experiences, and the way this site is organized. I used critical thinker in place of intellection, connector for connectedness, problem solver in place of restorative, developer and strategist as the categories for my posts. Below is a description of each theme.
RESTORATIVE
I love to solve problems. I am energized by it. I enjoy the challenge of analyzing the symptoms, identifying what is wrong, and finding the solution. I enjoy bringing things back to life… I identify the undermining factor(s), eradicate them, and restore something to its true glory.
CONNECTEDNESS
I believe that things happen for a reason because I know that we are all connected. I gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. This feeling implies certain responsibilities. If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves. I am considerate, caring, and accepting. I am a bridge builder for people of different cultures.
STRATEGIC
I sort through clutter and find the best route. I see patterns where others simply see complexity. I play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?” to help me see around the next corner. I cull and make selections until I arrive at the chosen path – my strategy. Armed with my strategy, I strike forward. “What if?” Select. Strike.
INTELLECTION
I like to think. I like mental activity. I like exercising the “muscles” of my brain, stretching them in multiple directions. It is a need for mental activity that may be focused; for example, trying to solve a problem or develop an idea or understand another person’s feelings. I am introspective, I pose questions and try out answers on myself to see how they sound. This mental hum is one of the constants of my life.
DEVELOPER
I see the potential in others. In my view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. When I interact with others, my goal is to help them experience success. I look for ways to challenge them and devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. Signs of growth in others is my fuel.
(Icons by Creative Corp. CliftonStrengths summaries by Gallup.)
