Strength Based Mentoring

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 s...

People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links among things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning. CliftonStrengths This week we have the opportunity to learn about the strength of Connectedness through the eyes of Maurie Deines. Maurie is the Co-Coordinator of TeamMates of Scotts Bluff County and is a mentor. Maurie leads with Connectedness, Belief, Responsibility, Learner, and Arranger. Here’s what Connectedness looks like for Maurie : I lead with “Connectedness”.  My second strength is “Belief”.  I think that both of those strengths work well together.  Gallup states that “people with Connectedness believe that there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason”.  Although “Connectedness” is my lead strength, it is undergirded by my “Belief” which is my foundation. Connectedness to me means that I often use relationships between people to benefit th...

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 a...

People exceptionally talented in the Achiever theme work hard and possess a great deal of stamina. They take immense satisfaction in being busy and productive. CliftonStrengths This week, our guest blogger is Mallory Gregory. Mallory is the co-coordinator for the TeamMates program in Waverly, Nebraska. Her top 5 Strengths are Achiever, Relator, Learner, Responsibility, and Belief. Here is what Achiever looks like for Mallory:  "Mrs. Gregory, if you were an animal, what would you be?"  What a fun question to think about.  A senior student of mine asked me this exact question at the start of this school year.  I replied and said, "Well, I would love to be an eagle because it would be so cool to soar and see the beauty of our country from above."  My student immediately replied, "Well that's an interesting thought but I think you would be a golden retriever.  You talk a lot, your loud with a lot of excitement...a lot like a loud yi...

People exceptionally talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of thee values emerges a defined purpose for their lives. Clifton StrengthsFinder People high in Belief have unchanging values. The specific values are dependent on the individual themselves, but in each case, they frame how that individual acts, thinks, and decides. People with Belief may not necessarily be religious or spiritual people, but their values shape their lives. Because their values are unchanging, people see those with Belief as reliable and enduring. Their values help bring purpose and focus to even the most menial of work. These values give passion and drive to individuals, allowing them boundless energy around the non-negotiables. In my coaching course, I met a preacher from Tennessee named Rodney. He has high Belief and detailed to me a story of a young kid in his church. This boy’s dad had an unhealthy control over him and was preventing him from goi...