Strength Based Mentoring

Here is a fantastic example of a program coordinator utilizing strengths for matches.  This was sent to mentors in an email to keep strengths conversations in their mind.  Jessica is planning to keep this fresh with new questions, craft ideas, and concepts via regular emails to mentors in her chapter.  Taking strengths application to the next level! Download the PDF for an easy quick print.  Great work Jessica!

This is a great post from the Gallup Strengths Blog , featuring one of the inspiring stories from Kalamazoo's Valley Community College and their incredible strengths program . Dropout or Honor Student: The Difference Is Strengths By Kyle Robinson, Director of Campus Engagement, Gallup Amanda’s excitement for her future is contagious. Perhaps it is her high positivity, the joy she feels at being a recent college graduate, or simply her engagement in working a job she loves. After spending just a few moments with Amanda, her excitement for living is evident. It is hard to believe that just a few years ago Amanda was stuck and lost in her academic pursuits. After graduating a semester behind her high school class, Amanda enrolled in a local community college, but quickly became disengaged and dropped out. “I just wasn’t connected,” she reflects. “I was in a program that wasn’t a fit for me, and really no one on campus seemed to care about what would be best for me and my fu...

As you further your strengths development, it is wonderful to recognize how you hear and see strengths in others.  Whether those strengths are familiar to you (in your top 5) or you are learning about the other 29, I found this great chalkboard via Pinterest the awareness of a shining strength theme in other people demonstrates you are taking strengths to the next level. One way I encourage people to do this is by really listening to others.  Listening for words and phrases in conversations, particularly those that are passionate and intense.  I believe you see strengths rise to the top when a person is in "the zone" and feeling engaged and at their best. I've found a great way to practice this via social media!  If you utilize Pinterest or Facebook, you might find these exercises fun: Pinterest As quotes are displayed in graphics (whether famous authors or inventors, or something via Tumblr), I find it fun to look for the strengths in those words.  ...

Another great hat I wear in life is that of Aunt Ally.  Holiday gatherings are a favorite for me as we get to spend time with my nephews and niece (13 of them total).  Any time a group gathers, I try to encourage thinking creatively about how we celebrate strengths and see the good. Pinterest makes creativity easy, and I am sharing an idea found from the awesome website  30 Handmade Days .  Be sure to check it out for additional ideas for crafts and fun for your mentoring time.  This is a worksheet we completed at the kitchen table and we then placed it inside a decorated mason jar.  The jar will be collecting our "favorite moments of the year" throughout 2014 to keep us focused on the "best" and "silliest" parts of our weeks.  Next year, we will all bring our jars back and read about the great things that happened in 2014. I will be taking this worksheet and the idea of the jar to my mentee next week when school resumes.  I look forward to ta...

In the spirit of thankfulness, I wanted to share this great message from Kid President. Happy Thanksgiving!

A simple video that helps us consider the question, "What is RIGHT with you?" and why that question matters. “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment  wisely and earnestly."     - Buddha

Yesterday was one of my best work days ever.  It was full of moments of smiles, hand-over-heart sighs, hugs, joy.  I was helping a new chapter learn strengths language, asking them to view themselves and each other through a strengths lens and listen for ways to honor authenticity.  As we discussed ways to change conversations and encourage hope, I felt them doing just that for me. Watching students discover their strengths is one of the most powerful parts of my job.  Regardless of their age, they have ownership of their good.  Even for just a few minutes before the universe starts reminding them of the not-so-good, they are basking in the sunshine of awesome.  I see it radiate in their faces and when I ask them for their thoughts - they use their own language to remind me how simple it is.  They are engaged.  They are excited about their own talents and curious about others. An 8th grader yesterday so eloquently told me about his DISCOVER...