People exceptionally talented in the Includer theme accept others. They
show awareness of those who feel left out and make an effort to include them.
CliftonStrengths
This week our guest blogger is Cindy Borland. Cindy has been
mentoring in Cambridge, Nebraska since 2014. Last fall, she became the Program
Coordinator of the chapter. Her top five strengths are Includer, Harmony,
Arranger, Positivity, and Developer. Here’s what Includer looks like for Cindy:
I would define the Includer strength as ability to bring others together,
so everyone can feel part of a group-stretching the circle wider. This strength
understands that judgement hurts people and that acceptance is a way to bring
others together and raise awareness that no one should be ignored or left
out. In my day to day life, I use the
strength Includer at my work and at home.
After I found out that Includer was by top strength, I understood the
need that I have had throughout my life to ensure everyone had a place to fit
in.
I teach for a living and in my area of work, I focus a lot on
social inclusion and academic inclusion. It has been a natural fit for me. I am responsible for holding meetings with
parents, teachers, and administration to create a plan that is the best for our
students and to ensure they are not left out.
At work, I co-lead 3 groups of social inclusion groups-Circle of
Friends. These groups are to help students in our school that struggle with
social interactions. This program was
such an easy transition for me. I am able to help advocate for those who
struggle socially and teach acceptance from those whose social interactions
come easily. We talk weekly about: What
would happen if we focused on what was uniquely right about someone. TeamMates is also a good fit for me! I am the TeamMates Coordinator at our school
and I am always looking for Mentors in our community so the Mentees that have
interest in joining can find their match.
I am able to work with the Mentors to help guide them in their mentoring
journey as well as the mentees. As I
look back with my family, I probably drove my boys crazy with my need to ensure
everyone wasn’t doing something alone.
When they were younger I would point out kids in their school/activities
that were hanging back or not sitting with someone and I would encourage them
to go sit by them or to talk with them. Of course, they always helped me out!!
Being an Includer has helped us raise our boys with the awareness of others’ feelings
and the importance of including others into their circle. Family is important to me and I am the
family member that wants to make sure everyone can attend family dinners and if
not, how can we make it work that everyone is there and no one is missing.
I lead with Includer and I use it daily at work and at home. I work with students and adults daily,
finding ways that we can all fit in together. My other strengths are Harmony,
Arranger, Positivity, and Developer. Harmony helps me find that common ground
to ensure students get along and during meetings; we can find a common ground
to reach the goals of our students. This
pairs well with the Includer strength because we all need to be part of the
team. I wear many hats at home and at
school, Arranger strength helps me sort it all out and find a way to achieve
everything I have planned. My husband
and I both work outside the home, run small farm with cattle and pigs, have a
mowing business plus all the fun that comes with having two boys that are
involved in many events. Some days it
takes a lot of thought and time to figure out how we will fulfill all our
responsibilities. I enjoy the challenge
how it will all come together.
Positivity was the one strength that took me by surprise. I don’t necessarily see myself as that person
but when I truly looked at the strength I can now spot the areas where this
plays a role in my life. I am always looking for the good, whether it be in
someone’s personality or the situation.
Developer is mostly used with the youth that I work with. I enjoy helping them see how important they
are to this world and encouraging them to be everything that they dream
of. Sometimes their goals are lofty but
together we find a way in which their goals can be attained and develop a plan
to make it work.
As I write this blog, I realize that my 5 strengths have helped me
become who I am today and through them I have found my way as mom, daughter,
and a special education teacher. I use
all 5 of my strengths daily plus a few more!!
I never knew that strength spotting would be so much fun for myself and
others.
-Cindy
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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