Signature Themes

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER, in our capstone course--Integrative Seminar, we were given some of the "keys to our kingdoms." Our prof assigned the StrengthsQuest Book, which, in a nutshell, came with an ID code that enabled us to take a one-time on-line assessment that revealed our Top 5 Strengths. Here are mine with brief descriptions:

ACHIEVER

People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.

INTELLECTION

People who are especially talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.

INPUT

People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.

EMPATHY

People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others’ lives or others’ situations.

INDIVIDUALIZATION

People who are 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.

The point of this assignment was to first find out our Top 5 strengths, and then learn how to use them to understand where we might best fit in our field, jobs, life, etc. Learning that we have the strengths is the first step. Building upon them paves the way for us to use them to the highest good.

The one-time-use ID Code that allows you to take the assessment to get your "Top 5," is in the book, StrengthsQuest, by D. O. Clifton, E. C. Anderson and L. A Schreiner. You must buy the book brand new to get the ID Code.

I highly recommend it. It helped me to better understand why I do the things that I do the way that I do them, and how I might better utilize my talents for my highest good.

~Ms. T. J.