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A Look at Individualization

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People exceptionally talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.

CliftonStrengths

This week our guest blogger is Teri Nieveen. Teri has been involved in TeamMates of Freeman in a variety of roles. She has been a mentor since 2014, served on the board of directors, and became the assistant coordinator in 2015. Her top five strengths are Achiever, Learner, Individualization, Belief, and Developer. Here’s what Individualization looks like for Teri:



My top 5 strengths are Achiever, Learner, Belief, Individualization, and Developer.  As I reflect on my strengths, I easily see my achiever as it is what drives me. I love to research and read about new things, a learner. My belief, my Christian faith, guides me in life.  I love the individualization and developer strengths; they have made me the teacher I am. 

I see my individualization strength as the way in which I look at others.  Being a reading teacher is a perfect fit because I can work with small groups and students individually.  
However, it was talking with a mentee where I discovered how personal my individualization really is.  We were discussing scholarship applications and how she included her strengths.  She said her top strength was Individualization, which means she does not have to be part of the group, she is comfortable with doing her own thing, and she realizes she is not like everyone else, but that is okay.  All at once, I wasn’t looking at the young lady sitting next to me, but I saw myself.  That is when I came to realize how my strength of Individualization so aptly describes me personally!  I have always thought of myself as being different from the norm, and that does not bother me; it’s the way I am and I accept that.  That is my individualization.

I see how easily my strengths of individualism and developer work together.  I constantly encourage students and adults alike to try something or do something I think they are capable of doing.  When I direct programs, I strive to find a part for each person so that all have a chance to be involved.    For example, I will write in additional characters, parts, or lines, whether it’s the church Christmas program or the school’s class play, so that everyone has something to say or do.  It is also why I liked working with students in competitive speech, but not as a speech judge. As a judge I had to rate and rank the students; I prefer to work with and help students become better without judgement.  Learning about strengths has helped me to understand why I do what I do, and that has given me permission to embrace what I do through my strengths.
-Teri

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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