What Are My Strengths?
Several months ago, during a work meeting, I was introduced to a strength assessment called the “High Five Test.” Prior to that moment, it had been years since I completed an assessment test. I don’t know about you, but I can be very critical of myself. If I am not careful, I will zero in on my opportunities (weaknesses) and forget to celebrate my strengths. I was excited to see what I would discover.
There is a caveat to consider when mentally preparing to take one of these assessments. The test is only as accurate as you are honest. A friend recently shared a different assessment test with me and the directions encouraged the test taker to answer based on who you are, not who you wish to be. That was great advice.
According to the website, the High Five Test identifies your top five strengths through a series of questions. (There are 100 questions in total.) . With bated breath, we all sat at a table, our lab tops open to the first question of the test. We were given about fifteen minutes complete it. In hindsight, I recognize I was not in the right headspace when I answered those questions. Truthfully, I was still running from parts of myself and my perception was skewed. I was recently confronted with the fact I had not fully embraced an important part of who I am. With that in mind, I thought it would be fitting to take the assessment again. I decided to share my results with you below. I also included the blurb they provide which describes each strength in depth as well my own thoughts. Take a look!
I have always loved the way stories capture your attention while teaching valuable life lessons. My objective IS to communicate a message!
My secret is out!
There is nothing like being heard and understood. I am far from perfect but I do try to listen with my heart. We all want to be heard and validated.
I am a believer in Christ. My values are framed by the Word of God. I love the line that states, “Some people call you a person of purpose.”
The glass is always half full. This is pretty spot on. (Most of the time.)
Wow! This ties in so nicely with why I created this space! My earnest desire is for my words to help you grow and develop into who God created you to be! I want to help you along this journey called life. I want to challenge you to think differently and push you out of your comfort zone! And this is not just for you, it is for US!
As I reflected on the fifth strength identified, a particular word from the explanation popped out to me-”LEADER.” I have had the privilege of serving in a leadership capacity, both in my professional and personal life for many years. It was never something I strived for or even desired. It found me. In recent years, it was actually something I ran from! During a conversation with two friends just a week ago, I was confronted with the fact that this is not just a title, it is part of how God made me. Please know, I say this with great humility. Truth is, sometimes I do not want to be a leader. Sometimes I do not want to make the tough decisions. Sometimes I would rather hide in the background, and trust me, I have tried. The irony of this all is I wrote my first blog about “running from myself” and up until last week, I was still running! Clearly, I am a work in progress.
Enough about me! Now it is YOUR turn to take the High Five Test. (I have provided the direct link below.) Find a quiet place to take the assessment. I know I said it is 100 questions but it does go by pretty quickly. Answer honestly! Once you finish it, I would LOVE to hear your results! Leave them in the comments section! Have fun!