Strength Based Mentoring

People exceptionally talented in the Significance theme want to be very important in others’ eyes. They are independent and want to be recognized. Clifton StrengthsFinder Those high in Significance know when there is something great and purposeful happening. They see the larger impact and want to be a part of it. People with Significance are those that feel called to leave their footprint on the world. Gallup writes, “the genius of people with strong Significance begins and ends with the difference that they are determined to make. They want the world to be a better place because they are in it.” To these individuals, what others think of them matters; they want to be seen as credible, reliable, and valuable. When another views them in this way, they know that they can have a greater impact. Because of this gift to establish their own credibility, people with Significance are often independent in their work. These individuals like to have free reign to make decisions and d

People who are exceptionally talented in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to manage their own lives. They possess an inner compass that gives them confidence that their decisions are right. Clifton StrengthsFinder A quote that epitomizes Self-Assurance is from one of my favorite thinkers, Henry David Thoreau. He says, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Those high in Self-Assurance have an inner sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities. This keen sense of awareness allows them to be secure in their decisions. People high in Self-Assurance may often make a decision that seems illogical or is against all advice given; however, what you may not see in their decision was their confidence in it. As a result, people high in Self-Assurance are often risk-taking leaders who pave new paths for exploration. Self

Recently, I have been taking a class with my church entitled, Emotional Healthy Spirituality. The course syllabus, if you will, is filled with exercises and practices to help you become more emotionally mature so that you may become more spiritually mature. During one of the first few classes we were given an info graphic with a “feeling wheel” on it. It was a colored pie chart with six basic emotions listed in the center such as mad and sad. As you move out from the center of the pie, more detailed and descriptive emotions are listed, such as hostile, remorseful, or apathetic. In order to dive into the class, I wanted to start cataloging my feelings every day. After a few days I was starting to notice a pattern; I would come home and sit down to describe the day, but all I could come up with was “good” or “fine”. However, good and fine aren’t on the feeling wheel. It wasn’t long after this puzzle that I began to see that I do not usually understand how I feel, or rather that

People exceptionally talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them. Clifton StrengthsFinder People with high learner have a craving to know more. They are constantly looking for more: more information, more skills, more knowledge. Learners are like a sponge; they naturally soak up new information rapidly, often with the keen ability to remember it. The content and passion behind a person’s learning is catered to that individual; some may learn better inside a classroom, others outside, some may like to learn about a subject, while others, a skill or ability. Furthermore, the context of someone else’s learning is often dependent on their other strengths; for example, someone with Context, may love to learn about history, while someone with Relator might love to discover more and more about their closest friends. Those with Learner do not just love to learn new things,

People exceptionally talented in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that compliments this ability. They like to determine how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity. Clifton StrengthsFinder People with high Arranger have the ability to manage many variables, discerning how they can best work together. These talented individuals naturally think like a master puzzle maker; they can see how best to organize and assemble things for maximum productivity. Once one arrangement is made, these individuals do not feel confined to it; if it doesn’t work the way they thought, they simply adjust the puzzle to try another fit. The talent of Arranger goes beyond just organizing things or resources; they also have a gift for organizing people. Arrangers can logically see the best fit-to-role, and have a knack for building great teams based on individual contributors. Those talented in Arranger build productive teams that

People exceptionally talented in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history. Clifton StrengthsFinder People high in Context value the past because they believe the past contains the answers to the present. To make sense of the world around them, people high in this theme must understand what has come before. It is essential to see the blueprints because blueprints show the original intention and purpose. Seeing this helps those with Context orient themselves to the given situation. People high in Context are natural drawn to history. The period and subject of history is different for everyone, but learning and understanding history is thrilling, because they can easily connect the past to the present. In addition, people high in Context often have a very good memory; their brains instinctively catalog and retain everything they experience. People with Context like all the background information before making a de

People exceptionally talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning their thoughts into action. They are often impatient. Clifton StrengthsFinder The currency of someone high in Activator is action. While they may see thinking, pondering, and brainstorming as important, these things pale in comparison to actually doing. Summed up in a phrase, Activators believe, “actions speak louder than words”. Activators like to start before a decision is even made. Those high in this theme are valuable on a team due to their catalyst-like mindset; they can get a bogged-down group out of their thoughts and into productivity.   Some people may see those with high Activator as “ready-aim-fire” people who don’t think through decisions. In actuality, those high in Activator see thinking as synonymous with doing. They live by trial and error. As the full Activator theme description says, “How can you grow if you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe you can’t.

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. Clifton StrengthsFinder Those high in Individualization can naturally spot out what is unique about each person. They innately notice and catalog information about an individual, quickly figuring out who they are and what makes them tick. These folks also tend to make those around them feel valued by honoring their uniqueness in terms of a catered approach. One role those with high Individualization play is a strengths-spotter; They have the ability to see someone’s strengths easily and aid them in sharpening these talents. This is the reason Gallup writes, “like a casting director, they [those high in Individualization] use their intelligence about people to position them to do what they do best.” Because of their natural ability to “read” people well, those with this theme

People  exceptionally  talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to go with the flow. They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time. Clifton StrengthsFinder For people high in Adaptability, interruptions are opportunities. While some may see interruptions as annoyances or distractions, a person with Adaptability sees them as exciting.  Even though there may be plans, those with Adaptability, see each day as a new possibility. Consequently, for them, the future is not a fixed destination; rather, it is formed by each decision you make in the present. I was once given the image of Adaptability as a palm tree. In the middle of the storm, palm trees sway and bend, but never break; they are a strong place of stability during a not-so-stable time. The talent theme of Adaptability is just like that image. Because of this ability to acclimate, those high in Adaptability are especially valued during major changes or times

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 centered around a fai

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 help det

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 life; they te

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 clear de

People exceptionally talented in the communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words They are good conversationalists and presenters. Gallup StrengthsFinder Gallup states that, “people strong in Communication talent can find words for not only their thoughts and feelings, but for those of others. This gives them the ability to reach out and connect with others in meaningful ways.” People who have strong Communication talent have the keen ability to translate thoughts into words. They can explain things in a way that is understood by those around them. Communication is a powerful talent that compliments all other 34 themes. Communication, though, like all themes, takes time to move from a raw state to a mature state. If your mentee is part of the 24.5% of TeamMates mentees with the Communication talent in their top 5, consider taking some time to help them mature their Communication talent. Here are some ways you can add value to your m

People exceptionally talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from evidence of progress . Gallup StrengthsFinder TeamMates Mentoring Program’s mission statement is to “positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring.” This mission statement, at the core of our organization, is rooted in the theme of Developer. Rather than prescriptive, we function as a developmental mentoring program, which aims to build trust-based relationships. It is through these relationships that mentors are positioned to bring out the full potential in their mentee. Doing so, not only falls in line with our mission statement, but also honors the Developer in each of us. According to Gallup, the primary impact of someone with Developer is “seeing the potential in people that is uninformed or inexperienced and investing in it.” As mentors, th

People  exceptionally  talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb. Clifton StrengthsFinder If I was to pick one theme that defines TeamMates as an organization in recent years, it would be Maximizer. The last few years, TeamMates has been utilizing the resources of Jim Collins’s addendum  Good to Great and the Social Sectors . In this resource, Collins, walks social sector organizations through steps to enhance and develop their organization from a good program to a great program. Collins states, “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline” (p. 31). We have focused, studied, and selected certain points from this text to implement at certain times in an effort to bring TeamMates from good to great. This philosophy Just 9.7% of our mentors and 8.5% of our mentees have Maxi

People  exceptionally  talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues. Clifton StrengthsFinder TeamMates Executive Director Suzanne Hince calls her Strategic theme her “playbook to find solutions”. Hince, who leads with Strategic (#1), Self-Assurance (#2), Achiever (#3), Futuristic (#4), and Ideation (#5), states that she uses her Strategic theme each and every day, often in harmony with her other themes. One current use of her Strategic theme is through the chapter strategic planning process. Appropriately named, Hince travels to chapters to vision with them about their future, then decide what the best steps are to get to that desired future.  In terms of her leadership within TeamMates, Hince says Strategic helps her to find the right people the right seat on the bus, as well as understand her role within that dynamic. She explains, “I think the Strategic helps me unde

Another great example of strengths conversation opportunities!  From a fantastic band teacher and TeamMates program coordinator: Each day one band student tells a story about a time that they've been successful recently. Our new student told us today about when she auditioned for one of two jazz bands at her previous school. She thought she was going to totally blow the audition, but ended up 3rd trombone in the top jazz band. She said she worked on preparing the audition a little bit, but not a ton. Took a couple of days off, and spent the night before the audition practicing a lot. The kids' first guess at her strength (she doesn't know hers) was Achiever. I asked her if she has a list of things to do, how does she approach the list? Her response: "I try to knock out 2-3 of the things, then come back later...maybe." I love conversations with my kids! All students names are on the board, and each day we just move down the list. It used to be "tel

At a recent training session, I was sporting my new bracelet - a gift from my mentor Gigi honoring my intended  word of the year .  Traci happened to notice, and asked me about the significance of my bracelet.  As I explained I establish an annual word each January in lieu of resolutions, Traci shared this year, she and her coworkers have been focusing on a word each week.  The word is chosen, and they find quotes and images around the word, creating thought and energy discussing what it may mean to each person.  This staff isn't just limiting their conversations to their office, one of them - an awesome TeamMates mentor - is also sharing with her mentee: I always share our department word of the week with my mentee, we talk about what it means and give some examples.  Then when we meet the next week we try to share ways we used the word and things we observed or maybe I should say how we "lived" the word.   The first week the word was compassion .  So we talke

Next week, together with your mentee, consider these questions and how you can create artwork to represent your responses.  Share with me and we will gladly add to the blog!

Thanks to Jessica Stutzman - OPS mentor for this great post featured on the Strengths Coaches Playbook. Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Strengths as Superpowers by Jessica Stutzman Rush, rush, rush. That’s my daily routine as a working adult with somewhat dubious time management skills living in a metro area. Whether I’m on my way to work, to the gym or to some social obligation, it feels like I just barely have enough time to get everything done. But an experience at a recent training event stopped me in my tracks. It gave me a new perspective on something I’ve been aware of, but taking for granted, for years – my strengths. On a Friday in early December, I was rushing from my job to a training event for a mentoring program I participate in called  TeamMates . Although this will be my fifth year as a mentor, I had surpassed the three-year mark and required a refresher before I could meet with my mentee again in January. I walked into a classroom filled with tabl