How to find my strengths ?

[DesiChap]

Folks,

I remember reading about a test in this forum which helps determine the strengths of a person. I can't find that info now.

I am basically trying to look for something which can identify my strengths and weaknesses so I can plan my career better.

Can somebody please help ?

Thanks!

[iwant2_r2i]

http://www.strengthsfinder.com/113647/Homepage.aspx is one that I'd come across a long while back. Not sure if this is the same that was referenced in the forum.

[meenakshijsr]

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[RRK]

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[Reacher]

The best approach is reflection. What is your favorite subject ? Who do you admire ? When do you feel 100+ % ? Who do you look up to ? What do you like best about you ? What is most challenging thing you have ever done ? etc..

In the simplistic form, assuming you take a week off and can do activities you like, what activities will you do ?

In complex form I have seen tests classified as buckets into Realistic, Investigative, Social, Enterprising, Conventional or Artistic and measure the traits accordingly.

Princeton review (www.princetonreview.com) or Testing Room (www.testingroom.com) has self reflection queries that can give you some ideas.

I would use these tools as guidance and rely on reflection to verify the traits.

Best wishes.

Disclosure: Only knew Brooke Shields went to Princeton. Not on these sites payroll.

[neesha]

The best approach is reflection. What is your favorite subject ? Who do you admire ? When do you feel 100+ % ? Who do you look up to ? What do you like best about you ? What is most challenging thing you have ever done ? etc..

In the simplistic form, assuming you take a week off and can do activities you like, what activities will you do ?

In complex form I have seen tests classified as buckets into Realistic, Investigative, Social, Enterprising, Conventional or Artistic and measure the traits accordingly.

Princeton review (www.princetonreview.com) or Testing Room (www.testingroom.com) has self reflection queries that can give you some ideas.

I would use these tools as guidance and rely on reflection to verify the traits.

Best wishes.

Disclosure: Only knew Brooke Shields went to Princeton. Not on these sites payroll.

Reacher,

Nice post. Agree with all what you say.

My personal experience though - Things change ......... My own interests are constantly changing. In fact I am interested till something is unknown. Once I know it well then finished.... Time to move on.

[mn_op]

Testing Room (www.testingroom.com) has self reflection queries that can give you some ideas.

So I took the testingroom.com test. I was half expecting teh report to say that 'you spend your time in meaningless pursuits' or 'you are very careful wtith your money and would never spend $14.95 to buy the full report' ...but no!

Here is the report (free one):

MN_OP, you are . . .

at ease in situations that do not require a lot of socializing. You would rather spend time alone, or with a few people you know well, than interact with a large group. You prefer small gatherings with close friends to large parties with lots of people. While you feel at ease in most social settings, you rarely call attention to yourself. It is more enjoyable for you to watch and listen to others. In settings where you meet new people, you prefer to let others take the initiative and make a connection with you.

You like to focus on global issues and leave the checking of details to others. You are not very organized and like being able to do things without planning ahead. You describe yourself as unmethodical and rarely concern yourself with specifics. You prefer to look at the big picture. You are also expedient and focused on deadlines. Completing things on time is more important to you than finishing things perfectly. When something needs to be done quickly you are willing to cut corners.

These are descriptions of 2 key features of your personal style. To find out more about the other 20 aspects of your personality and how they influence your approach to tasks, ways of interacting with people, how you think, the ways that you deal with stress and what kind of personal drive you have, order your full Personality Index Report.

[makeadifference]

I came across the following personality assessment test site recently
http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
They have couple of free assessments available. Take a look.

[MrLong]

Folks,

I remember reading about a test in this forum which helps determine the strengths of a person. I can't find that info now.

I am basically trying to look for something which can identify my strengths and weaknesses so I can plan my career better.

Can somebody please help ?

Thanks!

Ask your colleagues. Also, when one of your co-worker or the one who works for your or your manager - ask them as to what your strengths are.. and this will reveal some surprises and some known things..

Look back in your life and see what all your friends from school/college and accomplices have praised you for..
Within your immediate circle of collegemates, look to see what made you different and successful.

Remember, the strengths does not have to be unique and could be quite generic (or boring too) .

-M

[Reacher]

My personal experience though - Things change ......... My own interests are constantly changing. In fact I am interested till something is unknown. Once I know it well then finished.... Time to move on.

Good point. The strength could be research, curiosity, analysis, quick learning, mastery of things, risk taking etc. Or there could be a common element in those changing interests.

The key here is to identify natural strength (recurring talent with high success rate) than acquired ( success through repetition). One tends to enjoy and be more successful, when work is based on natural strengths, IMO.