Strength Based Mentoring

People  exceptionally  talented in Connectedness theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning. Clifton StrengthsFinder I like to think of the theme of Connectedness as those being able to see the tiny threads that tie each of us together. People with high Connectedness build bridges, champion for meaning, and can always see the greater impact of their actions. Those with Connectedness often walk through life very intentionally and purposefully; knowing full well how a simple conversation, email, or pit stop may impact another person. When Gallup first began the Strengths revolution, this cluster of talents was named Spirituality; however, the more that Gallup understood this talent theme, they found that Connectedness was about more than Spirituality.  Like all of the themes, Connectedness is shaped by the core values an individual has. For some, this may in fact be centere...

People  exceptionally  talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it. StrengthsFinder When most people see a problem, they run from it, but when those with Restorative see a problem, they run towards it. People high with Restorative are natural problem solvers. But this is more than just noticing a problem, those with Restorative can identify the root of it, as well as see what steps are needed to bring resolution. During this time of crisis or change, those with Restorative often will exert calmness, courage, and creativity. Because of this, those talented with Restorative are a great asset to any team. To honor these team members, ask their opinion on an issue you are facing and take their suggestions seriously when considering your options moving forward. If you or your mentee has high Restorative, take some time to discern what types of problems you enjoy solving. You can...

People  exceptionally  talented in the Positivity theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do. Clifton StrengthsFinder Hannah Miller, TeamMates’ Recruiting and Marketing Coordinator, describes her #1 Theme of Positivity as bubby. The power and edge of someone with Positivity is that “everyone feels better about life when they are around.” For those that I know with high Positivity, including Miller, this is definitely true. Miller says that she needs to start every single day with laughter before moving onto everything else. Her laughter is contagious and proves to be the best medicine if problems in life come our way.  Positivity, like many strengths, comes with barrier labels. Miller says that often times her Positivity can be construed as fake or surface level, when in reality, her ever-present Positivity is her most real self. People high in Positivity have a glass-half-full lens towards...

People  exceptionally  talented in the Command theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and made decision. Clifton StrengthsFinder Gallup writes that people strong in Command “bring decisiveness and emotional clarity. They have the ability to bring to light what is often avoided or understated.” According to Gallup, Command is one of the least likely themes to appear in someone’s top 5 (along with Self-Assurance, Significance, Discipline, and Context). 14.7% of TeamMates mentees have Command in their top 5, and just 1.9% of our mentors do. I don’t know about you, but I think it would be beneficial to have more people strong in Command. Often times, in this culture, people are afraid to say what they think due to worry of how it will be perceived. Someone with Command has the innate ability to cut through all of that; seeing the truth and bringing a sense of decisiveness to any situation. As an influencing theme, those in Command can not only make...