So I took the Clifton Strengths Finder indicator some time ago and then again recently. I’ve taken the early 1.0 version and now the 2.0. Here are my strengths as indicated by the indicator:
Version 2.0 says I am an:
1) Activator – basically, I don’t like talking about things we’re going to do. I want to help people actually do them.
2) Positivity – I have a positive attitude and don’t like negatively reinforcing things on others.
3) Harmony – I don’t like discord. I want everyone to get along and things to run smoothly.
4) Belief – I live by the courage of my own convictions and respect others who do as well.
5) Empathy – I can feel for others. I think this is my strongest trait. I have the ability to put myself in another’s place and try to understand their side of things.
The earlier 1.0 version gives me 3 different ones.
Empathy – See above
positivity – see above
Communication – Well duh! I like to communicate–but only in so far as it brings me into empathetic, harmonic, and positive situations. Blogging, for me, isn’t about spouting off, but rather expressing my belief and then listening for what others see in that for themselves.
Individualization – I see each person as in individual and work with them for their specific needs and goals.
Woo– which stands for winning others over. I have the ability to work with people in a way that rallies them to my side. I don’t do this manipulatively. Rather I try to relate in a way that develops friendship and respect.
And so, we spend some time in prayer, thinking about how my strengths might help me today.
A Strengths Finder Prayer
Lord, let me spend my day
with empathy for others
Let your words touch others
in ways that I cannot.Let me be your instrument
as a doctor uses the scalpel
and the musician strikes
a chord on the keyboard or string.Mostly though Lord, let me simply be
a quiet presence of comfort
A trusted soul and confidant
for those you would have me meet today.May that empathy bring harmony
to activate many lives in believing in you.
May the gentle spirit woo all of us
into more positive communication with you and one another.For it is in that spirit of prayer
that we individuals make our simple words
Into strong foundations
That serve us, in serving you….Forever.
Amen.