Last week we looked at having strengths and what that means exactly. I mean, we know God made us all with strengths, but do we all know what they are? Sure we may have an idea…but do we know? And if the answer is “no” then how can we grow what we don’t know we have…ya know? 
So…what do we do?
Well, I heard about this book from two different people that I really look up to and I thought it might be worth a shot. However, when both of these people mentioned in within 12 hours of each other I began to think God might be telling me something.
So, I bought the Strengthsfinder 2.0 book, read it, and took the Strengthsfinder 2.0 test. If you haven’t got this book, I would highly recommend it. The test comes with it and I finished the book and the test in one sitting (not like me at all)!
Anyway, here are the results for my alleged top 5 strengths…
Ideation
These people are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.
Strategic
These people create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Command
These people have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions.
Activator
These people can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They are often impatient.
Individualization
These people are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.
Encase your curious, I am a very “APPLICATION based” kind of guy. For me, if you know something but can’t, won’t, aren’t able to apply it…it’s not that valuable. So, here are my next steps…
- Talk with a a couple of people I know and trust (much wiser than me) and get their counsel on how I can better use my strengths!
- To continue to use the additional resources provided on the web.
- Read about my strengths again in the book.
- Learn the pitfall of my strengths in ‘excess.’
- Figure out my weaknesses. Not to grow them, but so I know them (and therefore am able to get others to compliment me in those areas).
- Pray that God would continue to grow me for His glory.
Again, I’m still trying to figure out what all “my 5″ mean and I would love your feedback! Also, has anyone else taken the test? What did you find out?
September 8th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Great book and couldn’t believe how dead on it is. My “5″ are: Strategic, Activator, Achiever, Futuristic & Responsibility. As we know that our greatest strengths are also our greatest weaknesses; I really like how Strength Finders defines both. I also gave the book to my staff and they took the test and WOW, that particular staff meeting was off the charts. I love it when we can place people in their place of giftedness and witness God doing the impossible when we’re willing to be obedient! Great stuff man!
September 9th, 2008 at 6:22 am
[...] • Shane’s post speaks so perfectly to how a seasoned veteran is a a major asset to any team… and challenges me as a young leader in so many ways! • John Piper has a burden for words… i completely LOVE his heart and share in these convictions… • Great blog on OBEYING GOD… by Mark Driscoll • And now that i’ve read T-Mo and Pudge both have checked out their strengths… i think i might try too! What Blogs should i be reading that i’m not??? Who’s keeping it fresh… consistently challenging you??? [...]