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A Look at Belief

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People exceptionally talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives.
CliftonStrengths
This week, our guest blogger is Annette Woodhead. Annette is the Regional Coordinator for the Western Region (or as she likes to say, “the Wild West”) of TeamMates Mentoring Program. Her top 5 Strengths are Responsibility, Belief, Developer, Positivity, and Achiever. Here is what Belief looks like for Annette:


If you possess a strong Belief theme, then you have certain core values that are enduring.  Typically, this belief theme causes a person to be family oriented, relationship oriented, and even spiritual and provides direction to your life.  It also demands that you find work that is meaningful and matters to you….. a purpose.

I don’t think until I discovered my “strengths” through TeamMates, several years ago, did I understand how I was wired, how God made me uniquely.  I also didn’t see “me” from a strengths perspective even though positivity is in my top 5.

Going back, way back, to my childhood is where the foundation of my “belief” transformed me.  I went to church my whole life, that is my whole 6th grade life, so that was nothing new.  It was during that year; my best friend’s mom was dying of cancer.  I can’t remember how long she battled, but I do remember visiting her and reading the bible to her at her request, EVERY time we went.  It didn’t mean much to me, until she died.  When she did, I took my 6th grade self to our tiny little Methodist Church that was opened 24/7 to make a commitment, one like this woman I respected and adored, and wanted that same peace and love she possessed.  One that would be deep, solid faith based, a clinging to Christ that would become the foundation of everything I do, and all that I am.  Ok, so now that you get the picture I can move on.  And, if this isn’t your belief, that’s ok, I just had to share where it all started.  Little did I know that my walk, personally, as a wife, a mother, a friend, a co-worker, and through difficult times would keep me, would cause me to be true to what I know, and who I believe in.  All my decisions big and small have centered around this belief, and the grace that comes with this belief.  Those of you that know me, my favorite thing to say is “grace upon grace”, extending it to others, and to myself.

Fast forward to my job, in the last 11 years with TeamMates.  I so believe in this mission, so much because during my childhood into adult life, I have always had a mentor.  Someone that discipled me, someone that believed in me, and someone that spoke truth and real raw honesty into my life.  It has shaped who I am even further.  My husband is also a product of mentoring as well as my children, so I was a believer in mentoring way before I came to TeamMates.  So naturally, TeamMates mission, it’s values and heart for people is what fit perfectly in to who I am and my belief. 

When I started TeamMates in the “Wild West” we had about 6 operating chapters, and most were struggling.  My strengths worked perfectly together to do this job.  While I so “believed” in the program and that every student should have the opportunity to have a mentor, I also have Positivity, Developer, Achiever, and Responsibility in my top 5.  Those combined, made it possible to do my job.  Because I love relationships, and because my people are so amazing, as well as the staff I have worked with, it was the drive that caused me to achieve and develop programs.   Positivity kept me going, when it felt like we weren’t going anywhere, I could find the good in the hard, and because of this, positivity and excitement became contagious.  My developer recognized each sign, even if small, of improvement and we celebrated it like it was a party!  I have you, Western Region, to thank for all that has transpired, for extending grace to me.  And to our staff, for the same grace, and for how we have grown together.  You are who I believe in, and I am proud to be serving you, and TeamMates as a whole!
Blessings,
Annette

If you are interested in guest blogging about one of your Top 5 StrengthsFinder themes this school year, please email Tess at tstarman@teammates.org





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