self assessment

I have two sons.  They are both bright kids, but they learn very differently.  My older son was given a self assessment called "Knowing How I Learn".  It turns out his strongest learning preference is kinesthetic.  He's the type who looks for challenges and exciting projects.  He's a doer.  I think my younger son is more of a visual learner.  He likes to see someone else do what he needs to learn.  He's an observer. Self assessments are very valuable.  I wrote earlier this year about Strengths Finder 2.0.  It was a very helpful in finding out my strengths in the workplace.  I was recently pointed to an online personality test called the Jung Typology Test.  I highly encourage you to take the test.  It's only 72 questions and will help identify your personality.  After you take the test the site will tell you your personality type, and also provides links to a couple of different descriptions of your personality type.  There's also a link to the Jung Career Indicator based on your type.  For a shorter personality description you can look here after taking the assessment.

It turns out I am an ENFP - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving.  A short description: enthusiastic, idealistic, and creative. Able to do almost anything that interests them. Great people skills. Need to live life in accordance with their inner values. Excited by new ideas, but bored with details. Open-minded and flexible, with a broad range of interests and abilities. I certainly like to think that's an accurate description.  I read somewhere that Mark Twain was an ENFP, and that's good enough for me.

Why don't you find out something about yourself and give it a try?!

my strengths

My top 5 strengths with descriptions from Strength Finder 2.0 and my comments following: 1. Maximizer: Taking something from below average to slightly above average takes a great deal of effort and in your opinion is not very rewarding.  Transforming something strong into something superb takes just as much effort but is much more thrilling.

I agree with the sentiment entirely.  I certainly don't care for mediocrity.  Ultimately, it's even more thrilling to take something that's below average and turn it into something extraordinary.

2. Ideation: You are delighted when you discover beneath a complex surface an elegantly simple concept to explain why things are the way they are.

It is fun to look inside a tangled web and figure which strands matter.  I actually prefer to dream of something intricate and then be forced to simplify it so it can be delivered.

3. Individualization: You are intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. You instinctively observe each person's style, each person's motivation, how each thinks and how each builds relationships.

I like to see what makes a person tick.  I'm patient and like to listen.  It's easier to get things done when I understand why someone thinks the way they think.

4. Strategic: You are able to sort through the clutter and find the best route.

I'm surprised this wasn't number one.  I like to create a map and am able to ignore the noise.  Wow, it's frustrating when you see the right route, but don't have to power to change course.  It hurts when you know the company is going to pay the price for it for years to come.

5. Self Assurance: You know you are able -- able to take risks, able to meet new challenges, able to stake claims, and, most important, able to deliver.

Bring it on!  I'm ready to take on anything you can throw at me.

Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

strengths

I know myself.  I know my strengths and I'm aware of my weaknesses.  Aware is the key word.  I don't focus on them or try to improve them.  If you choose to focus on your weaknesses you'll improve them at the expense of your strengths. You'll be ok at your weaknesses and ok at your strengths.  You are choosing to become mediocre. Instead hire or choose to work with people who are strong where you are weak.  Concentrate on your strengths.  That's where it's at.  Focus on them.  Improve them.  Become amazing.

To find your strengths and weaknesses I recommend Strengths Finder 2.0.