Texas Christian University University Career Services StrengthsQuest & Foundations of Business

Strengths Philosophy “Despite the American myth, I cannot be or do whatever I desire – a truism, to be sure, but a truism we often defy. Our created natures make us like organisms in an ecosystem: there are some roles and relationships in which we thrive and others in which we wither and die.” Parker J. Palmer Let Your Life Speak

Weakness Fixing: The Wrong Assumptions 1. All behaviors can be learned. If you try hard enough, you can do it. If you want it badly enough, you can do it. If you dream it, you can achieve it. 2.Everyone reaches the answer the same way. 3.If you fix your weaknesses, you will be successful.

Strengths-Building: The Right Assumptions Some behaviors (talents) can be learned. Some cannot. We can all get to the same conclusion, but we can each get there by taking our own path. Weakness-fixing prevents failure. Strengths-building leads to success.

Talent + Skills + Knowledge = Strength Talent: An inherent quality; something that comes naturally to us. Skill: Steps that can be learned (tap dancing, burning a CD, etc.). Knowledge: Factual information (what we know & learn) Strength: The ability to consistently excel at our talents.

Five Clues To Talent 1.Yearning: What kinds of activities are you naturally drawn to? 2.Rapid Learning: What kinds of activities do you seem to pick up quickly? 3.Flow: In what activities did the “steps” just come to you automatically? 4.Glimpses of Excellence: During what activities have you had moments of subconscious excellence, “How did I do that?” 5.Satisfaction: What activities give you a kick, either while doing them or immediately after finishing them, “Oh, when can I do that again?”

Recognition of Your Strengths Activity Place in the Circle: As you hear a statement that fits you, please stand up.

Strengths Philosophy Top Achievers All Have These Things In Common: They build their lives upon their talents. They fully recognize their talents and develop them into strengths. They apply their strengths in roles that best suit them. They find ways to apply their strengths to their goals.

Achiever Activator Adaptability Analytical Arranger Belief Command Communication Competition Connectedness Consistency Intellection Learner Maximizer Postivity Relator Responsibility Restorative Self-Assurance Significance Strategic Woo Context Deliberative Developer Discipline Empathy Focus Futuristic Harmony Ideation Includer Individualization Input Strengths Themes – Creating A Common Language

Recognition of Your Strengths Activity With a partner, generate ways that you can use your strengths.

How to Use Your Strengths: Introducing yourself (30-Second Intro.) Interviewing, Networking, etc. Writing your Résumé and Cover Letters Working more efficiently And more…

Recognition of Your Strengths Activity Take a few minutes to develop your 30-sec introduction. Share it with two other people. Share it with the class.

For More Information StrengthsQuest Web site: StrengthsQuest: Discover and Develop Your Strengths in Academics, Career, and Beyond