Thought Nursery

Back in 2005 I read Now, Discover Your Strengths and took the original StrengthsFinder test. My top 5 strengths were:

Strategic: People strong in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed.  Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

Input: People strong in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information. 

Learner: People strong in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve.  In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

Individualization: People strong in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person.  They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.

Intellection: People strong in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity.  They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions. 

My original fear was that the StrengthsFinder results would be like reading your horoscope: no matter what came back you’d find a way to make it fit. But at the same time I took the test so did two others in the management. It turned out we all shared 3 of these traits but the differences really did seem to fit the people. And looking back I do think it has been these traits have have shaped my career and my passion for what I do now.