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
Comments
Post a Comment