StrengthsQuest #3 - Developer

i love that this is one of my strengths...

Developer

Theme Description

You see the potential in others. Very often, in fact, potential is all you see. In your view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And you are drawn toward people for this very reason. When you interact with others, your goal is to help them experience success. You look for ways to challenge them. You devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. And all the while you are on the lookout for the signs of growth—a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, a glimpse of excellence or of “flow” where previously there were only halting steps. For you these small increments—invisible to some—are clear signs of potential being realized. These signs of growth in others are your fuel. They bring you strength and satisfaction. Over time many will seek you out for help and encouragement because on some level they know that your helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to you.

Action Items

You naturally see others' potential to move, change, grow, and develop for the better.

You love to see others make progress, and you will notice even the slightest progress.

Being a part of another person's development is the one of best experiences in the world for you.

Other people may not be as interested in their development as you are. In fact, they might push you away because they feel you are pressuring them.

Your role in any setting usually involves facilitating growth. Roles in teaching, advising, coaching, or managing might prove especially satisfying for you, so seek out those opportunities.

Notice when your friends learn and grow, and enhance their growth by sharing your specific observations.

You are a natural encourager. Take the time to call or e-mail people who need your encouragement most.

You probably will flourish when you help less fortunate people or disadvantaged students see that their talents are opportunities for development.

Recognize that while you notice the "baby steps" of progress, others may expect bigger steps. Be able to articulate these intermediate steps to others.

Keep an ongoing list of your key learning experiences. Track your own progress and growth.

Pretend that you are going to explain to others what you are trying to learn. This will help you retain more information and improve your comprehension.

Always have one or more mentors, and let them know what they add to your life. Consult them regularly.

Help your friends choose developmental experiences.

Coach friends who have a specific goal or focus in mind (such as running a marathon or losing weight). Encourage them in their progress.

Use your ability and passion to help others by joining organizations that will allow you to exercise your talents in helping others succeed. This will allow you to feel good about what you do and learn from your experiences. For example, consider becoming a mentor or peer counselor, or join community service organizations.

You likely have a talent for noting people's progress and for helping them become even better at what they do. Seek an environment in which your work involves getting "people done through work" rather than "work done through people."

You will be most satisfied in a career that provides some type of service to people or in which organizational success is based on interpersonal relationships and your ability to help people be successful.

Environments that are collaborative and people-oriented, where you can be part of a team but also have time to work one-on-one with others, is likely to allow your Developer talents to flourish.

Talk to counselors, teachers, speech therapists, athletic coaches, acting coaches, life coaches, and those who work in your campus learning center to find out what they enjoy most about their work.