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A Look at Intellection

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People exceptionally talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.
CliftonStrengths


This week our guest blogger is Darynn Ruiz. Darynn has been a mentor, and currently serves on the Sidney, Iowa TeamMates Board. Her top five strengths are Input, Learner, Discipline, Intellection, and Individualization. Here’s what Intellection looks like for Darynn:


A few weeks ago, I asked a gentleman on my team what he was thinking.  His response still baffles me: “Nothing. I literally wasn’t thinking about anything.” 

The idea of not thinking remains a completely foreign concept to me.  Intellection NEVER stops actively thinking, not even for a second.  Ever.  My mind is always working, thinking, processing. 

Whatever the scenario, you can be sure that I have spent a lot of time examining every detail and possibility before I take action.  Sometimes that takes minutes, sometimes that takes weeks.  Where some people get to work immediately and change directions multiple times before they achieve their outcome, most of my work happens in my head prior to starting so that I don’t often have to change paths. 

Identifying where I do my best thinking has been invaluable to me.  I’m at my best in the car (driving by myself, radio off), in the shower, or out in nature.  The trick is then getting those thoughts out so that they can be of use to others.  I often do what I call a ‘brain dump’ where I write down all my thoughts so that I can then organize them and put them to work. 
I’ve come to realize that it’s hard for me to separate my Intellection from my other strengths.  Similar to how a preworkout drink enhances an athlete’s performance, my Intellection allows my other strengths to perform at a higher level.  Which is not to say that it happens without effort – it is a result of the time spent considering all of the details.

For example, partnered with my Input and Learner, I’m blessed with a powerful trio that drives the desire and ability to truly know.  Anybody who knows me has witnessed how painstakingly detailed my plans are (thanks to my Discipline).  When paired with my Individualization, I have found that I am able to see people on a deeply personal level.  This is absolutely invaluable when it comes to coaching, mentoring, and leading a team.   

My Intellection is something that I didn’t initially recognize as a strength because I assumed that everyone’s mind worked in the same way. However, only 12% of people who have taken StrengthsFinder globally have Intellection in their top 5.  The more I think about it, the more I appreciate my Intellection and the value that it brings.
-Darynn


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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