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Strengths Reflection & Coaching Request

Read Through Your Theme Definitions

1. What words or phrases stick out to you? How would you define each of your top 5 talents in your own words?

CONNECTEDNESS - in my own words, reacting to the world and all in contains with an understanding that it is all connected. "Because of your strengths, you sense you are linked to all humanity." "...engage so many newcomers or outsiders in small talk as well as serious discussions."

DISCIPLINE - in my own words, serious order and attention to detail. "...assess all of the activities on your day's agenda." "You pride yourself on making sure everything is in order." "You probably are disappointed with yourself when someone points out an error you failed to detect." "You probably have a reputation for doing what needs to be done on time and in accordance with established rules and processes."

RESPONSIBILITY - in my own words, being responsible for oneself or self-awareness. "It’s very likely that you are comfortable being open and honest about who you are." "You prefer to spend time with individuals who speak as candidly as you do about their strengths, shortcomings, hopes, disappointments, failures, or successes."

RELATOR - in my own words, being goal-oriented and encouraging the setting and achieving of goals by those around me. "Perhaps you enjoy talking with certain types of people who seem to be aware of their personal or professional goals."

MAXIMIZER - in my own words, taking what is good and making it great. "Perhaps you speak more freely with individuals who openly share with you whatever is on their mind."

2. Do these top 5 talent themes resonate with you? Why or why not?

None of these surprise me, so I would guess they do! I've taken enough personality type tests in my life to have a decent understanding of the areas I tend to score highly in.

3. How have you seen yourself using each of these talents? How often do you see yourself using these talents?

Connectedness, discipline and responsibility I use all day every day. It would be safe to say that those three talents are who I am. Relator and maximizer, maybe not so much? I might use them once a week or so.

4. When has it been difficult for you to be aware of this talent?

Not really that often, though when the discipline and responsibility pieces sneak up (like a project deadline) it can move connectedness down the list of strengths, which I ultimately regret and keep trying to remind myself of what is most important!

5. What talents could you develop further that would help you in your growth at Turing and in your new career as a software developer?

6. How would you like to build more awareness around these themes?

7. In which situations would developing these themes be beneficial?

8. When might you overuse any of these themes? How might you benefit from dialing it down in a certain situation?

I could see team situations where my discipline strength could cause frustrations amongst my teammates and that dialing it down at that time could be helpful. I've gotten better, however, and respecting the 80/20 rule and focusing less on the 20 (finer details) when there's still 80 (major changes) to be done.

9. How could you use these themes to help you manage an area in which you might struggle?

In an area I might struggle, I could use connectedness to ask those around me for help and to realize that my success is tied to theirs and vice versa.

10. How can you do more of what you do best every day?

Look at the Suggested Action Items

11. What options sound doable?

"Consider roles in which you listen and counsel. You can become adept at helping other people see connection and purpose in everyday occurrences." -- Facilitate! This is why I chose FE and why I've had the career that I've had. Joining an organization -- oh so many! I can't help it. "Partner with someone with strong Communication talents. This person can help you with the words you need to describe vivid examples of connection in the real world." -- Sounds easy enough!

"Accept that mistakes might depress you. Precision is a core part of who you are; however, you must find ways to move through these moments of annoyance to prevent becoming discouraged." -- Not as easy as it should be, but a good reminder. "When working with others who are not as disciplined, ask them to clarify deadlines so you can adjust your workload to accommodate their requests."

12. What are some new ways to use these themes that you haven't utilized before?

13. What obstacles are there to trying out any of these options?

14. Shortterm: What is an action step you'd like to commit to help you develop your themes further today? Next week?

15. Longterm: What do you want to learn this module to turn your talents into greater strengths? How will this help you with your professional or personal goals?

Next Steps

This reflection is for your own growth, and you do not need to turn this in.

However, if you would like to have a follow-up coaching session with Allison, please DM this gist to her when you set up your 1-on-1 with her. You can schedule that here or by sending her a DM.