StrengthsQuest #1 - Empathy

and here it is folks... if you thought that the other top 4 were perfect definitions of my strengths, wait until you get a load of this...

this defines me.

completely.

Empathy

Theme Description

You can sense the emotions of those around you. You can feel what they are feeling as though their feelings are your own. Intuitively, you are able to see the world through their eyes and share their perspective. You do not necessarily agree with each person’s perspective. You do not necessarily feel pity for each person’s predicament—this would be sympathy, not Empathy. You do not necessarily condone the choices each person makes, but you do understand. This instinctive ability to understand is powerful. You hear the unvoiced questions. You anticipate the need. Where others grapple for words, you seem to find the right words and the right tone. You help people find the right phrases to express their feelings—to themselves as well as to others. You help them give voice to their emotional life. For all these reasons other people are drawn to you.

Action Items

You can sense what it feels like to be someone else.

You can pick up on the pain and joy of others -- sometimes before they express it. Other people feel heard by you and experience your compassion.

Because you can quickly understand others, people are drawn to you when they have a need or a problem, especially in relationships.

Your Empathy can be challenging because you may become overwhelmed with all of the emotions you can pick up in a day.

You have a natural ability for getting in touch with the feelings of others. Hone this talent by refining the words you use to name the feelings you experience and those you observe in others. Help others name their feelings, as well. People who can name their feelings seem to work better with other people.

At times your Empathy talents can drain you, if you are not careful to develop rituals at the end of each day that allow you to "decompress."

Absorbing others' emotions sometimes leads to experiencing those emotions yourself. Establish clear boundaries between yourself and those to whom you connect.

If you pick up negative emotions more easily than the positive, you may need to intentionally become more aware of positive emotions. This proactivity can keep you more balanced and emotionally rewarded.

You are an emotional person, and you need to express your own emotions to someone you trust.

Sometimes it is important to be silent. You likely have the talent to let people understand you know how they are feeling, without even talking. Refine your nonverbal communication skills.

Let others know you can feel their pain and that tears are okay. Communicating that you understand their feelings builds trust.

Keep a journal in which you reflect on what you learned from other people and their passions, fears, joys, and other emotions.

As soon as you have an idea, write it down, including your feelings about it.

When you read, identify how you can relate the emotions of the characters to your own or those of people you know. This will make the material come alive for you and help you remember the it better.

Discuss issues that are on your mind with your friends. You are usually there for them. Allow them, likewise, to be there for you. Share you feelings with them, because they may not be able to identify feelings as easily as you do.

Use your Empathy talents when conflicts arise at work and other group settings.

Be careful not to let those you support overwhelm you. Just as it is important you be there for your friends and family whenever they need you, it is crucial that you keep your goals a priority.

Become involved in activities, clubs, or organizations that will help you feel like you're making a difference with individuals through your empathy.

Consider working with students to help them to better understand their own feelings and sort through their emotions.

Position yourself as a confidante for your students. Many students feel overwhelmed at school; you'll understand and help them get through the difficulties they're facing.

Because you're nonjudgmental and understand the feelings of individuals, you'll be a welcome addition to most groups.

The "emotional tone" of your work environment is important. You might find that surrounding yourself with others who are positive and upbeat is highly rewarding.

Seek work environments in which emotions are valued and not repressed. The rich emotional economy will be the perfect environment for your Empathy talents.


how freaky is that???

(* note the italics... things i need to think about. seriously.)