My Talents

The following are my five most dominant “themes/talents” as defined by the Clifton StrengthsFinder test from The Gallup Organization.

I took this test a couple of years ago (after discovering the book Now Discover Your Strengths ) and I believe that these strengths perfectly capture the essence of life through my eyes. The order of the following strengths is directly proportional to the intensity at which they occur in my thought process :)

Driven by your talents, you may convince certain people that a particular project or cause improves humankind’s quality of life. Occasionally, you persuade them of the importance of protecting the planet’s resources for future generations. Perhaps you help people realize they can accomplish more good as a group than they can as individuals. Because of your strengths, you assert—that is, declare and affirm—that every person comes into your life for a definite purpose. This explains why you launch into discussions or engage in small talk with people you are meeting for the first time. You really want to figure out why your paths in life have crossed. Instinctively, you conclude that your life is more meaningful and you are happier when you can dedicate yourself to something of importance to humankind. It can be something simple rather than something grand. You sense your acts of kindness influence individuals to perform good deeds. You are likely to inspire generosity in many people. Chances are good that you underscore what people have in common even though their backgrounds, experiences, languages, cultures, or interests vary greatly. You facilitate dialogue between individuals. You create peace within groups and between people by linking them to one another.

- My Strengths Finder Report

It’s very likely that you are known for your optimism, cheerfulness, and easygoing personality. These qualities explain why you get a thrill out of starting friendly discussions with newcomers or outsiders. Chances are good that you genuinely feel pleased with yourself and life in general when you do tasks correctly and behave in accordance with your core values. By nature, you declare life is very exciting. You welcome opportunities to accept various types of people into your circle of acquaintances, teammates, family, or friends. The more people you have around you, the happier you are. Instinctively, you usually feel more upbeat about life when you stand shoulder to shoulder with other top performers. You have little, if any, interest in being the sole recipient of first-place honors. You simply want to share the spotlight with equally successful teammates, classmates, peers, friends, coworkers, family members, or strangers.

-My Strengths Finder Report

Chances are good that you probably started asking people questions as a child and continue to do so today. Others quickly notice that you are genuinely interested in what they say. Your inquiries turn tense frowns into relaxed smiles. The warmth of your presence can transform a timid person into a talkative one. You intentionally offer compliments. Few things delight you as much as hearing a stranger say, “I really like you. And, I’ve just met you!” Because of your strengths, you typically infuse energy into members of your team. You are apt to enjoy life more than many people do. Why? You choose to concentrate on what is good rather than on what is bad. Driven by your talents, you feel an irresistible urge to introduce yourself to outsiders and start talking with them. Why? You welcome the chance to tell one more person what you dream of accomplishing in the coming months, years, or decades. You also want the individual to like you. It’s very likely that you spontaneously alleviate—that is, lighten or reduce—much of the stress and tension in your life by diving into conversations with outsiders or newcomers. These individuals are likely to appreciate your friendliness, your smile, your compliments, and your genuine interest in what they say. Chatting with strangers probably increases your energy instead of draining it.

-My Strengths Finder Report

Instinctively, you are fond of most people. You tend to be nonjudgmental. You usually find something good and likeable about every person you meet. Often, you want to involve them in your activities and introduce them to others. You are undoubtedly puzzled by individuals who actively search for reasons to exclude people from their circle of friends, family members, coworkers, classmates, or teammates. By nature, you probably harbor tender feelings for individuals who are quite different from you. Your openhearted—that is, kind and generous—nature compels you to reach out and draw into your life many different kinds of people. Chances are good that you might gravitate to situations where you can team with people on certain types of projects. Because you are a practical and objective person, you occasionally present ideas that have produced good results in the past. Perhaps you appreciate teammates who give the same consideration to your suggestions as they give to everyone else’s. Driven by your talents, you are pleasant and amiable—that is, easy to get along with and likeable. You can socialize or work with just about anybody. Your congenial—that is, friendly—manner as well as your interest in people help you identify common ground, offer compliments, ask non-threatening questions, and effortlessly move in and out of conversations.

-My Strengths Finder Report

Chances are good that you routinely spark the enthusiasm of individuals. Your own job, studies, or life becomes much more exhilarating when you help others more fully experience their lives. Because of your strengths, you are naturally open and honest about who you are, what you have done, what you can do, and what you cannot do. Your straightforward explanations and stories help listeners see you as you see yourself. You reveal your strengths and limitations. You are forthright and plainspoken. People generally seek your company and want to work with you. Many are impelled to move into action by your words and examples. It’s very likely that you are likely the human spark plug of your team. That is, you inspire and energize people to dedicate themselves to a task. Once a course of action is chosen, perhaps you are the person who says, “We’ve talked long enough. Let’s get started right now. Why wait? Let’s just do it!” By nature, you know you spotlight the best ideas people share with you. By giving your full attention to another person, you acknowledge the value of his or her thoughts and feelings. In the process, you usually enhance the individual’s confidence.

-My Strengths Finder Report