Pathway to Excellence:

Transcription

1 Pathway to Excellence: Understanding Your Strengths presented by Dr. Therese Lask Learning Objectives Explore Hope Theory as foundation for Strengths Development. Visit the tools necessary for strengths development: your talents, skills, and knowledge. Be able to identify in your strengths you and how to build on those strengths. Explore strengths and professional resilience. Explore your strengths from a leadership perspective. Gain confidence in your abilities to develop your strengths to help meet your professional goals. Agenda The Case for Strengths: Hope and Hope Theory Introduction: Strengths Development Model Exploring Your Strengths Strengths and Resilience Strengths Based Leadership Moving Forward 1

2 Introductions Name Your favorite talent/theme as identified by the Strengths Finder Assessment What do you hope to take away from this training? What Does Hope Look Like To You? 2

3 Graduation Encouragement Success Happiness A DOG NAMED HOPE Graduation Lotto Hope is: Our Ideas and Energy for the Future. Gallup Organization,

4 The Case for Hope Hope is an attribute that can be measured. Hope drives persistence, motivation, goal setting and innovation. Hope Theory: humans are the only creatures truly future oriented. Future orientation relies on three types of thinking: goal thinking, pathways thinking, agency thinking. Three Types of Thinking Goal Thinking- ability to define achievable goals; Pathways Thinking- ability to create pathways or strategies to get from point A to point B, which is goal attainment; Agency Thinking-is the selfefficacy and the mental energy to work on and pursue your goals. What are characteristics of hopeful employees? 4

5 Characteristics of Hopeful Employees On a pathway to desired goals; Able to be self-motivated; Are capable at dealing with obstacles along the way. Research Tells Us: Neuroscience Studies: Our natural state is to think about the future. Memory Studies: Our thoughts about the future create memories. Our memories of the future can shape the future. Once we share our memories of the future our job is to design and edit those memories. Increasing Hope Through Strengths Strengths can help you identify a goal (Goal Thinking); Strengths can help you develop a strategy to achieve the goal (Pathways Thinking); Strengths can provide the confidence to achieve your goals (Agency Thinking). 5

6 YOUR SIGNATURE Understanding Your Strengths 6

7 Strengths Finder Assessment Measures for talent, or repeated patterns of thoughts, feelings or behaviors; Timed for immediate reaction; Order of talents does matter! Only receive top five. Definitions Strength can be defined as the ability to perform near perfect performance in a given activity. Strengths development requires three central components: Talents, Skills, and Knowledge. [1] Talents as identified by the Strengths Finder Assessment. Talents can be defined as naturally reoccurring patterns of thought, feelings, and behaviors. Skill-the basic ability to move through the fundamental steps of a specific task. Knowledge- what you know as a result of formal education or experience. 7

8 Definitions Strength can be defined as the ability to perform near perfect performance in a given activity. Strengths development requires three central components: Talents, Skills, and Knowledge. [1] Talents as identified by the Strengths Finder Assessment. Talents can be defined as naturally reoccurring patterns of thought, feelings, and behaviors. Skill-the basic ability to move through the fundamental steps of a specific task. Knowledge- what you know as a result of formal education or experience. Strengths Development Model 8

9 The 34 Talents Achiever Activator Adaptability Analytical Arranger Belief Command Communication Competition Connectedness Consistency Context Deliberative Developer Discipline Empathy Focus Futuristic Harmony Ideation Includer Individualization Input Intellection Learner Maximizer Positivity Relator Responsibility Restorative Self- Assurance Significance Strategic Woo Skills Analyzing Problem Solving Counseling Coaching Decision Making Listening Evaluating Cooperating Initiating Teaching Promoting Change Facilitating Editing Delegating Creating Selling Ideas Generating Ideas Managing Conflict Meeting Goals Negotiating Knowledge Knowledge through Learning Could be a process (through a manual or set of instructions) Could be a subject (theories, concepts, ideas). Could be performance (sport, music, theater). Examples of Knowledge through Experience Could be process (through trial and error) Could be performance (through practice) 9

10 The Foundation for Strengths Development Skills Relationship Building Teaching Talents Competition Developer Strength Coaching Knowledge Workshop Past Coaching Your Greatest Sucess 10

11 Your Future Succes Building on Strength Your Strengths are transferable; Your Strengths can increase in scope; Continue with what you do! Strengths and Resilience 11

12 Signs of Hope See the future as better than the present. Believe they have the power to make the future better. Can develop strategies to meet goals. Plan contingencies in the event that they are faced with problems along the way. Obstacles are viewed as challenges to overcome. Resilience The ability to thrive when faced with difficult circumstances. Gordon, 1996 The ability to persevere and adapt when things go awry. Reivich,K. & Shatte, A A focus on capabilities, assets, and positive attributes instead of weakness of the individual. Saleeby, The Resilience Quiz 12

13 7 Abilities Necessary for Resilience Emotion Regulation-ability to stay calm under pressure. Impulse Control- not acting on first emotion. Empathy-ability to read other s cues. Causal Analysis-identify cause of problem. Optimism-believe things can change for the better. Self Efficacy- how we are effective in the world. Reaching Out-the ability to try. Reivich & Shatte, 2002 Emotion Regulation Definition: The ability to stay calm under pressure I can control the way I feel when adversity strikes. Impulse Control Definition: not acting on first emotion. I am good at shutting out anything that distracts me from the task at hand. 13

14 Empathy Definition: the ability to read others cues. If a colleague is upset, I have a pretty good idea why. Causal Analysis Definition: identify the cause of the problem. When a problem arises, I think carefully about what caused it before attempting to solve it. Optimism Definition: Believe things can change for the better. Hard work pays off 14

15 Self Efficacy Definition: How we are effective in the world. I expect that I will do well on most things. Reaching Out Definition: the ability to try I am curious 7 Abilities Necessary for Resilience Emotion Regulation-ability to stay calm under pressure. Impulse Control- not acting on first emotion. Empathy-ability to read other s cues. Casual Analysis-identify cause of problem. Optimism-believe things can change for the better. Self Efficacy-how we are effective in the world. Reaching Out-the ability to try. Reivich & Shatte,

16 One Student s Story: Mike Borden Strengths Finder Assessment-Talents Positivity Always on the lookout for the positive in any situation. Empathy- Sense the feelings of others by imagining themselves in other s situations.. Adaptability-Tend to be now people who take things as they come, discovering the future one day at a time. WOO-Winning others over. Energized by making the connection with others. Self Assurance-Transcends confidence, able to take risks, pursue new challenges and deliver results. Problem Act on a Solution Cause of Problem Select a Solution Brainstorm Possible Solutions Strengths Based Leadership 16

17 Strength Based Leadership Three key points: Knowing your strengths and investing on other s strengths; Getting the right people with the right strengths on your team; Understanding and meeting the four basic needs of those who look to you for leadership. Tom Rath and Barry Conchie Strength Based Leadership Executing Know how to make things happen; Go to when need a solution; Will work tirelessly to get things done; Catch an idea and make it reality. Strength Based Leadership Influencing Selling of the team s ideas; Someone to take charge; Someone to speak up; Make sure someone/group is heard. Relationship Building Glue that holds a group together; Able to bring a group together; Make the group better than the composite of individuals. Strategic Thinking Focused on what could be; Absorb and analyze information; Help the team make better decisions; Stretch our thinking for future. Strength Based Leadership Executing Achiever Arranger Belief Consistency Deliberative Discipline Focus Responsibility Restorative Influencing Activator Command Communication Competition Maximizer Self-Assurance Significance WOO Relationship Building Adaptability Developer Connectiveness Empathy Harmony Includer Individualization Positivity Relator Strategic Thinking Analytical Context Futuristic Ideation Input Intellection Learner Strategic 17

18 Tips on Your Domain Look at the frequency of your talents/themes in the four Domains of Leadership. If you have two or more themes in a particular domain, you possess the ability to perform well performing tasks in that specific domain. You can possess two or more themes in two domains of leadership. This means you have the ability to perform well in multiple domains. The number of domains is not important. Your ability to perform tasks related to the particular domain(s) will provide greater satisfaction. Exploring Domains In our group, discuss the following: 1. Type of work related tasks you enjoy completing. 2. Talents/themes your group possesses that help complete this task? 3. What skills does your group possess that helps your group complete the tasks? 4. What knowledge does the group possess to help complete the tasks? 5. Tips you have for working with individuals in your domain. Strategies for Strengths 18

19 Poll In determining my performance at work, I spend the majority of my time focused on: Areas for improvement Areas in which I am outstanding Creating a Paradigm Shift Focus on what you do best; Acknowledge your excellence; Volunteers for assignments according to strength. Strength Based Conversations What are your earliest memories of a career interest? What is the link to your strengths? What types of past jobs/hobbies/or volunteer opportunities have been the most enjoyable for you? What made this experience so enjoyable? Given your strengths, what approach would be best for you to explore job responsibilities that are a good fit for you? Which strengths are the most helpful to you in your career? 19

20 Next Steps Be aware of your energy level when approaching a task. Develop your definition of talents. Talk to your colleagues about your talents. Explore patterns for how you achieved success/overcome challenge using a strengths based model (Talents/Skills/Knowledge) Remember the 10,000 hour rule. Questions? 20

21 Student Journal I have learned a lot about myself and how my talents work into my life. Knowing yourself is important, and knowing what you value is the only way to be successful in life. I m excited for my future and excited to see all the great things that I can do if I put my mind to it. -Jennifer Contact Information Dr. Therese Lask therese.lask@colostate.edu

22 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths

23 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths Strengths Development The ability to perform near perfect performance in a given activity Three central components to strength development: talents/themes; skills; knowledge Skill: What do you need to complete steps of a task? Analyzing Initiating Teaching Promoting Change Facilitating Editing Problem Solving Counseling Coaching Decision Making Listening Evaluating Cooperating Delegating Creating Selling Ideas Generating Ideas Managing Confl ict Meeting Goals Negotiating Knowledge: How did you gain what you need to know? Did you take a class or workshop? Did you read a book or manual? Did you practice? Did you study a concept? By trial and error? Knowledge Skills STRENGTH Talents/Themes The 34 Talents/ Themes identifi ed through Strengths Finder Assessment Achiever Activator Adaptability Analytical Arranger Belief Command Communication Competition Connectedness Consistency Context Deliberative Developer Discipline Empathy Focus Futuristic Harmony Ideation Includer Individualization Input Intellection Learner Maximizer Positivity Relator Responsibility Restorative Self-Assurance Signifi cance Strategic Woo

24 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths Looking back on your career, thinks about past success. What talents/themes, skills and knowledge came together to create this success? Skills Knowledge SUCCESS Talents/Themes List Your Success: Skills Knowledge Talents/Themes

25 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths Discussion Questions What combination of talents helped to create your success? What skills helped you create your success? What knowledge helped to create your success? What strength did you discover?

26 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths Your Strengths at Work Looking at your current position, think about a current opportunity to create success. What talents, skills, and knowledge come together to help you create this success? Skills Knowledge SUCCESS Talents/Themes List Your Success: Skills Knowledge Talents/Themes

27 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths Discussion Questions What is one strength in your current role? What combination of talents helped to create your strength? What skills helped to create your strength? What knowledge helped to create your strength?

28 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths Y Si na

29 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths NAME TALENT DESCRIPTION Talent: Your Defi nition: Talent: Your Defi nition: Talent: Your Defi nition: Talent: Your Defi nition: Talent: Your Defi nition:

30 CAREER SERVICES Understanding your strengths NAME TALENT DESCRIPTION

31 Five Clues to Talent Yearning Rapid Learning To what kinds of activities are you naturally drawn? What kinds of activities do you seem to pick up quickly? Flow In what activities did you automatically know the steps to be taken? Glimpses of Excellence Satisfaction During what activities have you had moments of subconscious excellence when you thought, How did I do that? What activities give you a kick, either while doing them or immediately after finishing them, and you think, When can I do that again? Copyright 2010 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.

32 Clifton StrengthsFinder Quick Reference Card Achiever Activator Adaptability Analytical Arranger Belief Command Communication Competition Connectedness Consistency Context Deliberative Developer Discipline Empathy Focus People especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive. People especially talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. Once a decision is made, they want to act quickly. People especially talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to go with the flow. They tend to be now people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time. People especially talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation. People especially talented in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They like to figure out how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity. People especially talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life. People especially talented in the Command theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions. People especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters. People especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests. People especially talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason. People especially talented in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They try to treat everyone in the world with consistency by setting up clear expectations and adhering to them. People especially talented in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history. People especially talented in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate the obstacles. People especially talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from these improvements. People especially talented in the Discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create. People especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others lives or others situations. People especially talented in the Focus theme can take a direction, follow through, and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act. Copyright 2000 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup, StrengthsFinder, Clifton StrengthsFinder, and each of the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.

33 Futuristic Harmony Ideation Includer Individualization Input Intellection Learner Maximizer Positivity Relator Responsibility Restorative Self-Assurance Significance Strategic Woo People especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future. People especially talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement. People especially talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena. People especially talented in the Includer theme are accepting of others. They show awareness of those who feel left out, and make an effort to include them. People especially talented 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. People especially talented in the Input theme have a need to collect and archive. They may collect information, ideas, history, or even relationships. People especially talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions. People especially talented 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. People especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb. People especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do. People especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal. People especially talented in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty. People especially talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it. People especially talented in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to manage their own lives. They possess an inner compass that gives them confidence that their decisions are right. People especially talented in the Significance theme want to make a big impact. They are independent and sort projects based on the level of influence it will have on their organization and others around them. People especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues. People especially talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person. Copyright 2000 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup, StrengthsFinder, Clifton StrengthsFinder, and each of the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.