Futuristic: The Vision-Caster

People exceptionally talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future.

Clifton StrengthsFinder

People with high Futuristic are fascinated with what will be. They have a mind which forecasts what is to come based on what is going on now. They are naturally dreamers, and can see far into the future. They are the vision-casters; the ones who can see the destination and get the rest of us on that

path. Gallup writes, “As if it were projected on a wall, you see in detail what the future might hold, and this detailed picture keeps pulling you forward until tomorrow.” While some people derive their energy from the present or revel in the past, those with Futuristic are energized about what is to come.

People with high Futuristic, in general, tend to be more hopeful. Dr. Shane Lopez taught our organization so much about the power of hope. Through his research with Gallup, Shane found that hope is simply the energy one has about the future. Therefore, as individuals who are naturally excited about a clear picture in the future, it is logical that Futuristic people would be more hopeful. All of the research and training we do within TeamMates redrives from, and further supports Gallup’s Student Success Model. When we focus on what is naturally right about someone, it leads to an increased sense of hope and increased engagement. This generates greater wellbeing and greater success. The research that Gallup has conducted over many years, show us that hope is the greatest indicator of future success; greater than GPA, socioeconomic status, demographics, etc.

Whether or not you are one of the 20.0% of mentees or 7.0% of mentors with Futuristic, it is simple to generate hope within your mentoring relationship. To do so, practice “Nexting.” At the end of your mentoring time, ask your mentee what is the next great thing you are looking forward to? The responses could be anywhere from “I am excited about lunch tomorrow because it is peperoni pizza…” to “I am excited to graduate.” Regardless of how you and your mentee aim this question, by simply asking it, you will be instilling hope in your mentee because you are getting them excited about the future.

-Tess

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