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 Includer theme accept others. They show awareness of those who feel left out and make an effort to include them. CliftonStrengths This week our guest blogger is Cindy Borland. Cindy has been mentoring in Cambridge, Nebraska since 2014. Last fall, she became the Program Coordinator of the chapter. Her top five strengths are Includer, Harmony, Arranger, Positivity, and Developer. Here’s what Includer looks like for Cindy: I would define the Includer strength as ability to bring others together, so everyone can feel part of a group-stretching the circle wider. This strength understands that judgement hurts people and that acceptance is a way to bring others together and raise awareness that no one should be ignored or left out.  In my day to day life, I use the strength Includer at my work and at home.   After I found out that Includer was by top strength, I understood the need that I have had throughout my life to ensu...

People who are especially talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena. CliftonStrengths This week our guest blogger is Bob Arp. Bob’s TeamMates journey began in the fall of 2009 when he became a mentor in Columbus, NE. Less than a year later, he took on the awesome responsibility of Co-Coordinating the chapter. His top five strengths are Ideation, Strategic, Achiever, Responsibility, and Adaptability. Here’s what Ideation looks like for Bob: Do you know someone that seems to have a knack for coming up with that out-of-the blue, crazy and exciting idea?  Maybe that someone is you.  Well, I have been told many times over the years that this describes me.  I never thought of it as a big deal.  But I must admit that there have been many times when I have even surprised myself with a think-outside-the-box suggestion or solution.  As a youth, our church youth group w...

People exceptionally talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.  CliftonStrengths This week our guest blogger is Tony Jensen. As the FFA Advisor at Freeman Public Schools, Tony has been collaborating with TeamMates on strengths implementation for years. In fall of 2016, Tony became a TeamMates mentor himself. His top five strengths are Futuristic, Learner, Harmony, Relator, and Discipline. Here’s what Harmony looks like for Tony: My top 5 strengths are Futuristic, Learner, Harmony, Relator, and Discipline.  For me, Harmony was the one strength from the StrengthsFinder that I didn't realize was a strength until I got my results.  Once I read the description and dug deeper into the meaning of the strength, I learned that Harmony allows me to be a peacekeeper and a consensus builder.  I come into contact with a variety of people every day and seeing them happy and content is importan...

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. CliftonStrengths This week our guest blogger is Suzanne Hince. Suzanne has been with TeamMates since 2005, serving as the Executive Director for 11 years, and last year, transitioning to become the TeamMates Foundation Director. In addition to being a staff member, Suzanne has also been a mentor with TeamMates for 12 years . Her top five strengths are Strategic, Self-Assurance, Achiever, Futuristic, Ideation. Here’s what Futuristic looks like for Suzanne: The best way I can describe the Futuristic theme is…daydreamer.  I can get so lost in my own thoughts about the possibilities of how things could be that I lose track of time and place.  I used to be a runner and one of the reasons I loved to run was it gave me the dedicated space and time to think about problems, situations and plans for the future.  ...

People exceptionally talented in the Focus theme can take a direction, follow through, and make the connections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act. CliftonStrengths This week our guest blogger is DeMoine Adams. In 2012, DeMoine came on staff with TeamMates, launching our Post-Secondary program, TeamMates+. Last year, he became TeamMates’ Program Director. In addition to being a staff member, DeMoine has also been a mentor in both Lincoln Public Schools and Gretna Public Schools. His top five strengths are Achiever, Focus, Discipline, Leaner, Strategic. Here’s what Focus looks like for DeMoine: My Focus puts me in a zone where I can channel all of my energy into something and tune everything else out.  It allows me to boost my number one Strength which is Achiever, while complementing my number three Strength which is Discipline. I have a lot of hats to wear in my position with the TeamMates Mentoring Program – from projects and never-ending e...

People exceptionally talented in the Empathy theme can sense other people’s feelings by imagining themselves in other’s lives or situations. CliftonStrengths This week our guest blogger is Tricia Dix. Tricia has been a mentor with Millard Public Schools since 2011. In addition to mentoring, last year, Tricia began working for our central office as an Administrative Assistant. Her top five strengths are Harmony, Empathy, Connectedness, Consistency, and Discipline. Here’s what Empathy looks like for Tricia: Growing up I was told that I was “too sensitive”, could easily cry “crocodile tears”, and that I should have been an actress because I could cry on cue!  I always wished that I wasn’t so sensitive.  I viewed it as a weakness.  It wasn’t until the day I took the Gallup Strengths Finder and discovered that my #2 strength is Empathy, that it all made sense.  It was then that I realized being empathetic is not a weakness, but rather one of my strengths....