StrengthsQuest #2 - Learner

my #2. i am such a nerd. ;o)

Learner

Theme Description

You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices you. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences—yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean that you seek to become the subject matter expert, or that you are striving for the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the “getting there.”

Action Items

You want to continuously learn and improve.

You enjoy the process of learning as much as what you actually learn -- perhaps even more.

You get a thrill out of learning new facts, beginning a new subject, and mastering an important skill. Learning builds your confidence.

You can get frustrated about wanting to learn so many different things because you fear you'll never be an expert.

You are energized by the challenge of keeping up with constantly changing fields.

Identify your own learning style. How do you learn best -- through doing? By reading? When you listen to experts? When you are able to work with friends in a group? Find your best learning environments and organize your life so that you are in these environments more. Use your Learner talents to learn about yourself -- and achieve more in the process.

Find ways to track the progress of your learning. If there are distinct levels or stages of learning within a body of knowledge or skill, celebrate your progression from one level to the next. If no such levels exist, create them for yourself. (For example, set a goal of reading five books on the subject.)

You love the challenge of a steep learning curve, so beware of learning plateaus. Seek opportunities to stretch yourself with more difficult or complex assignments and courses.

Learning is meaningful to you. Keep the mentality that you are never done learning, not even when school is over. You are a lifelong learner. Keep a journal of "lessons learned" that you can go back to often.

You love the process of learning so much that the outcome may not matter to you. As a result, you may have a number of unfinished projects that you plan to come back to "someday."

Keep a journal in which you reflect on what you learned from your experiences.

Exceed expectations. Do more than is required of you.

Look at every situation as a possible learning experience. This approach will help you become aware of what you do well and where you need help.

Always ask, "What did I learn from this?"

Have lots of conversations on subjects you are passionate about with people who are interested in learning.

Build relationships with those from whom you want to learn.

Don't restrict your learning experiences to the classroom. Engage in activities in which you can expand your knowledge about subject that interest you most.

Choose a work environment that encourages constant learning or where study is a way of life.

Environments that value the learning process will bring out your best, particularly if you will have opportunities to develop strengths.