StrengthsFinder assessment LEADERSHIP PROFILE Discussion Essay

StrengthsFinder Assessment Results

Living in a talent-driven society, developing and identifying our strengths is imperative to having successful lifestyles and careers (Rath, 2007, pg. 11). The results from the StrengthsFinder assessment indicate that my five most dominant talent themes for success are futuristic, relator, empathy, achiever, and includer. The assessment describes me as Futuristic as I look to the future with inspirational visions of what could be. My attitude toward my relationships is described as a Relator as I find comfort strength from being around close friends. I portray Empathy in the way that I anticipate the needs and questions of others, which draws people to me.  My Achiever theme explains my drive and constant need for achievement. My theme of Includer relates to my desire to include people and make them feel part of the group.

Core Values

Happiness and Balance are two core values that I would like to strengthen in my everyday life and career. These values relate as I often struggle to find and maintain happiness as I also struggle to find balance between my commitments, responsibilities, and relationships. The StrengthsFinder assessment defined me as an Achiever as I constantly have the need to do more, which causes stress. Another theme that describes my success is futuristic, which means that I am always looking to the future and what is next. Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to unhappiness and struggling to balance the stressors in my life.

Strengths

As an Achiever, I have an internal fire burning inside of me to accomplish more. Knowledge and skills are two strengths that I would like to improve, based on my StrengthsFinder assessment. As a nurse, you can never have too much knowledge or too many skills. Increasing these strengths help me grow and provide guidance in navigating through challenges in my career. Knowledge and skills are important factors in the strengths equation. Without facts in your mind and skills at your disposal, talent can be wasted (Rath, 2007, pg. 19).

Characteristics

A characteristic that I am always striving to improve is patience. As an Achiever, having patience will help me to set the pace when living with a constant need for accomplishment and achievement. As an Includer, I want to include others to make them feel accepted and comfortable. The assessment also describes me as a Relator as I tend to pull toward people I already know instead of establishing new relationships. I would like to challenge myself to be more outgoing and friendly as these characteristics improve my relationships in my personal life and career.

References

Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0. Gallup Press.

Main Post 

The Gallup Organization developed the CliftonStrengths assessment to guide individuals in discovering their strengths and values thus helping organizations improve their culture and performance (Johnson, 2021). After completing my assessment, I have discovered that my top five strengths and values are harmony, relator, positivity, responsibility and includer. After reading descriptions of each category, I agree that I do fit many of these depictions. For example, as a harmonizer one of my strengths is that I have been appreciated for allowing others to perform tasks in their own way and state their opinions about that they’re doing. Of course, I correct them if needed but in the most understanding and educational way possible to ensure I build their confidence rather than make them feel defeated. A second strength is that I always refer to those more knowledgeable than me to access expertise that I lack. While working in healthcare, we have little margin for error. Otherwise, someone’s life and wellbeing may be at risk. When I am at work, I make a handwritten checklist of tasks that I need to accomplish by a certain time. Checking these boxes, especially knowing I have performed sed tasks well, I feel much pleasure and enjoy feeling appreciated by others by my hard work.

A core value that I would like to strengthen is innovation. Innovation is defined as the ability to create new ideas or methods (StudyGuides, 2020). Often at work, I find myself so consumed by time consuming tasks and patient care that I neglect to think outside the box and contribute to futuristic healthcare ideas. Another core value I would like to strengthen or feel more positive about is quality. Quality is referred to as striving to get things right while providing the highest level of quality standards in every task needed to be accomplished (StudyGuides, 2020). In a hectic and overwhelming work environment, at times I feel like it is impossible to provide the highest level of quality care.

A strength I would like to improve is self-assurance. I can be quite hard on myself and often rely on the commentary of others to feel good about the tasks I am accomplishing. A second strength I would like to improve is being futuristic. I am often so focused on the present and accomplishing tasks correctly and efficiently that I do not engage with or contribute to groups or ideas that focus on future improvements. For example, not having time to get a post-surgical patient out of bed to ambulate when ambulation is needed for the promotion of body healing.

One characteristic I would like to improve is my confidence. While asking for expertise from someone for knowledge is a great practice, often-times I am asking a question in which I am smart enough and competent to know the answer. For example, if one of my post-surgical patients is completely alert and oriented and needs to go to the bathroom for the first time but has not worked with physical therapy yet, I do not need to discuss this with my charge nurse. I should be able to have a conversation with the patient to determine their physical strengths and assess independently, how to get them to the bathroom safely. Another characteristic I would like to improve on is patience. With a heavy patient load and a multitude of tasks due at the same time, I must remind myself that I am only one person and cannot be in multiple places at once. As long as I prioritize my tasks based on clinical importance, I cannot beat myself up if I cannot complete every single task in a timely manner. Strengthening this characteristic would significantly decrease my stress load in the workplace.

                                                                                       References

Johnson, J. (2021, July 19). What is the CLIFTONSTRENGTHS assessment, and how does it work? https://www.uschamber.com/co. https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/thrive/cliftonstrengths-assessment

20+ best core values: Examples for healthcare industry. Status Guides. (2022, December 8). from https://status.net/articles/core-company-corporate-organizational-values-examples-healthcare/

Main Question Post

Understanding one’s unique strengths is an essential part of leadership. Developing those strengths allows individuals to excel in areas where they have natural talent (Rath, 2007). Unfortunately, throughout our lives, we are told that it is more important to improve on those areas in which we are weak rather than focusing on the areas in which we already excel and pushing that excellence even further (Rath, 2007). The purpose of this discussion post is to relate the results of my StrengthsFinder assessment, then describe two core values, strengths, and characteristics that I would like to develop further.
The results of my StrengthsFinder assessment were accurate. The five signature themes that were included in my assessment were input, maximizer, competition, intellection, and harmony (Rath, 2007). The areas of maximizer, competition, and intellection were areas of strength that I had already identified in myself, so I was not surprised when they were identified in the StrengthFinder assessment (Rath, 2007). I was less familiar with the areas of input and harmony, but after reading further on those areas of strength, it correctly described me (Rath, 2007).
Focusing on a leader’s strengths and development potential is integral to the authentic leadership model (Broome & Marshall, 2021). I want to continue to work on the strengths of input and harmony (Rath, 2007). The strength of input includes collecting information in all different circumstances and storing the information away for later use (Rath, 2007). The strength of harmony includes leading others away from unnecessary confrontation and instead looking for areas of agreement and commonality (Rath, 2007). I chose these strengths to work on because they are areas I would not have readily identified when describing my strengths prior to completing the StrengthsFinder assessment. Continuing to develop my strength of input would help gather information on patients and employees at my place of employment (Rath, 2007). I can use this information to make improvements in patient care and outcomes. Working on the strength of harmony will help me keep the peace between employees and encourage others to work as a team (Rath, 2007).
Core values have been described as essential to effective leadership (James et al., 2021). The two core values that I would like to continue to strengthen are respecting others’ beliefs and treating others as you would like to be treated. Both of these core values are some of the most dearly held principles that I strive to live my life by, including in professional settings.
Two characteristics I would like to continue improving would be my organizational skills and my ability to teach others. I have always been very organized, especially in my professional life. I want to continue to build on this characteristic and improve my organizational skills even further, especially as it relates to my current position as Assistant Director of Nursing, or ADON, as this position requires extensive organizational skills to be effective. Building on my characteristic of being a good teacher is important to me because in my current position as ADON, part of my responsibilities includes staff development and education. I have always been drawn to education and teaching others as it comes naturally to me. Continuing to develop and strengthen this natural characteristic could only help improve my staff development and education performance.
Overall, I found the StrengthsFinder assessment to be a helpful way to identify or reaffirm individual strengths (Rath, 2007). Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses is an essential part of individual growth. However, rather than focusing on one’s weaknesses, taking those strengths and building upon those that come naturally is an excellent way to strive for greatness, both in a personal and professional setting.

References

Broome, M., & Marshall, E. S. (2021). Transformational leadership in nursing: From expert
clinician to influential leader (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.

James, A. H., Bennett, C. L., Blanchard, D., & Stanley, D. (2021). Nursing and values‐based
leadership: A literature review. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(5), 916–930.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13273Links to an external site.

Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0 w/Access Code. MBS Content.
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/MBS1879141 Links to an external site.

Using the Gallup Assessment Tool to Identify Strengths, Core Values, and Characteristics that Needs Improving

As an individual, it is important to identify strengths and capabilities that can make you become effective and the leader you are meant to be. Under Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, every individual is driven by the need to reach self-actualization stage (Pichere & Cadiat, 2015). One can only achieve this level by first identifying their strength and maximizing those strengths to its fullest potential. In order to identify one’s strength, the Gallup assessment tool was used to identify those strength and improve on identified ones. This discussion focuses on the strengths, core values and characteristics that the writer is improving upon to be better.

After completing the Gallup assessment tool, five key areas identified were learning, developing, adapting, ideation and restoring

Two key characteristics that require improvement are lifelong learning and ideation. I genuinely love and enjoy the process of learning because it gives me a thrill. However, I tend to quickly lose focus on a subject matter and explore all related matters because I get lost in trying to understand all subject matters related to that particular subject matter. By constantly trying to find the connection between two seemingly disparate phenomena and following the thrill, I become the student I am not meant to be, as it may become difficult to focus on one idea and translate it into writing. It is also effortless for me to switch ideas when writing professional papers because just as my brain works, I go with the flow and the thrill and quickly lose focus of, especially on the graded subject matter. Group discussions tend to steer me back wherever I find myself floating and I’m yet to use the writing center to aid me in focusing on my ideas for writing.

Respect and teamwork are two core values identified which needs improving. Being part of any organization or group, I find myself advocating for teamwork and respect for all members. Though I hold respect as a core value, self-respect should not be compromised to fit into a team. I know exactly how to be a team player and should not capitalize on how others will think of me to compromise a team’s effort. Teamwork is a strength that I hadn’t fully understood but upon realizing it is my strength and not a weakness, I am willing to build the team and support the team and still boldly call out others who take advantage of them and myself for their selfish gains. Being a leader, respecting everyone means valuing what they bring to the table as a team and not allowing bullying of any sort or another downplaying this attribute if it can be helped.

Two identified strengths are adaptability and restorative skills. I enjoy solving problems because I tend to be very analytical. I am also flexible and adapt very quickly to life circumstances as it occurs. However, not every situation requires one to adapt. Sometimes, one needs to be firm and not be flexible because I find that in my work, my co workers tend to always fall on me to adjust my life to suit other’s discomfort. I don’t mind being flexible, but I hate being taken advantage of, by capitalizing on this strength, I need to draw healthy boundaries and put people in their place so that my value isn’t based on my flexibility and adaptability. Not all problems require intervention from others. Sometimes, people blame me for solving an issue because they hate the solution presented. Again, I’m trying to discipline myself and know who needs these skills or not. Again, this is my strength, and I should appreciate it and use it on needed platforms.

Using the Gallup assessment tool has boosted my confidence in myself and I will focus on improving my strength rather than trying to build new skills and characteristics.

References

Pichère, P., & Cadiat, A.-C. (2015). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Lemaitre.

Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0 – with Access Code.

GALLUP PROFILE.pdf Download GALLUP PROFILE.pdf

Results from the Strengths Finder Assessment

Each individual has identifiable strengths in leadership in which the person thrives or excels but people fail to identify their strengths. In several instances, people use their strengths ineffectively or fail to use them at all. Therefore, completing a Gallup strength finder assessment help individual recognize their areas of strength. Individuals’ strengths are key to their personality of the individual (Faville et al., 2020). After completing the Clifton strength finder assessment, the top five signature themes of talents that emerged include achiever, responsibility, empathy, positivity, and harmony.

The achiever theme allows me to explain my drive. Being an achiever helps me to make touchable achievements hence making me feel good. With empathy, one can feel the emotions of others around you as they express their feelings. Harmony means that one is talented at living in agreement with other people since nothing good can be gotten from conflict and friction hence I seek to hold the conflicts to the minimum. Positivity implies that I look for the positives in any situation as I try hard to avoid negative matters during the encounter. The responsibility compels me to take ownership of my actions and feel psychologically bound to follow them through.

Core Values and Characteristics, I Would like to Strengthen

The two strengths I strive to keep at the bar are communication and positive relationships. These strengths are obtained from possessing particular talent from continuous practice, additional skill, and knowledge. I would strengthen my talent for being a good communicator by learning about difficult or effective communication and seeking the help of communication experts to help me in improving my public communication skills (Isik et al., 2022). Therefore, when one possesses the strengths with the relator, they develop a relational ability to develop a relationship with all people. This can be achieved by creating space for strong bond formation. I can create the appropriate environment for members of the team to form a close, trusting, and honest relationship.

Communication and relationship building are two characteristics that I would like to strengthen. As a nurse leader, I should be able to manage relationships with different people because teamwork and collaboration are essential in delivering quality care. Effective communication is key in building the relationship but more crucial to a nurse leader who is required to engage in a wide range of relationships (Broome & Marshall, 2021). Communication is the basis of practice in nursing. Through the development of good communication skills, the nurse can obtain the needed information, convey a plan, and assess the quality of care provided. The nurse interacts and forms a relationship with coworkers and their families as well as other healthcare professionals. Both building relationships and communicating effectively are important in achieving a common goal and in conflict resolution.

In addition, the other core values that I would like to strengthen are those of human dignity and altruism. Altruism implies that one is concerned about the wellbeing and welfare of others. In professional nursing, altruism means being concerned about the wellbeing and welfare of others. In professional nursing, altruism is reflected by the nurse’s advocacy and concern for the well-being of the patients. Integrity implies acting as the ethics and standards of practice (Duggan et al., 2015). Once I strengthen my altruistic values, I would support my followers and encourage them to act ethically when providing care and develop caring relationships with others.

References

Broome, M., & Marshall, E. S. (2021). Transformational leadership in nursing: From expert clinician to influential leader (3rd ed.). https://www.amazon.com/Transformational-Leadership-Nursing-Clinician-Influential-ebook/dp/B0817LWQQG

Duggan, K., Aisaka, K., Tabak, R. G., Smith, C., Erwin, P., & Brownson, R. C. (2015). Implementing administrative evidence-based practices: Lessons from the field in six local health departments across the United States. BMC Health Services Research, 15 Links to an external site. (1). doi:10.1186/s12913-015-0891-3.

Faville, E., Turner, S., & Armitstead, J. A. (2020). Strengths in numbers: Assessing the use of StrengthsFinder 2.0 in a pharmacy residency program. American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP: official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 77(Suppl 3), S66–S70. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxaa156

Işık, M. T., Çokan Dönmez, Ç., & Can Özdemir, R. (2022). Relationship between nurses’ professional values, empathy, and patience: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Perspectives in psychiatric care, 58(4), 2433–2441. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.13078