My Strengths: What Are Your Strengths?

"What are you good at?"  Hmm, I thought and thought.  The interviewer waited.  And nothing came out of my mouth.  Then I heard a small voice say, "I like talking to people."  It didn't resonate with the interview panel.  In fact one woman forcibly screwed up her face.  This job interview wasn't going well.  I walked out thinking, "I like talking to people, but not those people!"  The panel questions seemed harsh; almost vindictive.  I was light and bubbly, positive, with fairly good experience.  How could it have gone so wrong?  The main problem was  I didn't know how to play to my strengths or perhaps even what my strengths truly were.

Strength testing, like personality testing, is a helpful and fun way for people define their strengths.  There are many questionnaires available; however, the VIA test by Dr Martin Seligman and Dr Chris Peterson is widely researched and easy to use.  Taking the top 5 strengths of your report you now have a list of exciting character strengths to internalise and discuss with others.

Why is strength testing helpful?  In a complex world it is important that you internalise your traits and define who you are.  Finding and initiating your strengths creates well-being and self-awareness, promotes creativity and helps to establish stronger relational ties.  Although, your strengths can be situational, understanding that you have stronger traits than others identifies your uniqueness. As Dr Caroline Leaf says, your strengths are like your thumb print - you are wonderfully and uniquely made [1].  I have found that the way I choose to use my strengths offers a new perspective in the world, initiates growth, and adds to a sense of purpose in my life.  This in turn helps others to create meaning in their lives.

Another strength test is Strength Finder which is promoted by Gallup.  This test also has robust research and engagement.  Other personality tests group your strengths or traits together into specific personality domains.  Some of these tests include; The Big 5, Meyers Briggs and DiSC.  These can be helpful to assessing what type of environment you would like to socialise or work in.   Enjoy your personal growth journey as you find your strengths and use them in the world.

[1] Leaf, C. (2009). The Gift In You, USA :Improv, Ltd.