 What’s your top 5?
Communication Connectedness Woo Activator Belief How do you see them playing out in your life? As a Strengths Coach myself, I sometimes find it hard to identify when I DON’T see my themes playing out! J Our predominant talents really do explain so much of who we are! As far as my communication, I’m a person of words and always have been. My first word (at 8 months old!) was “Hi” and the only time I got a detention in school was for “talking too much in class”. I’m never at a loss for meaningful words, which I realize is a gift. Whether coaching clients, mentoring young adults or walking alongside family and friends through life, I’m always able to track along with what’s being expressed (that can be a jumbled mess of verbal “rambling” or even non-verbal) and put words around it. This often helps others understand themselves and their world better than they could have on their own. My connectedness is the “glue” that links every day and all seasons of my life together. I realize that nothing is on accident and so even in challenging times where I don’t “see where things are going”, I can trust that everything I’m experiencing is still part of a bigger plan and I help others to realize the same. Woo! Ever since I was young, I didn’t know a stranger. I already mentioned my first word was “Hi!” but my mom tells funny stories of how I would relentlessly “greet” strangers with a “hi… hiiii… hiiiiiiii” until they would respond! Clearly I needed to “win them over”! Nowadays, I find my Woo playing out daily with interactions no matter where I am. I’m grateful for the fact that no matter the social, professional or ministry setting I’m always able to find a way to “break the ice” and make a connection with those around me. This is incredibly helpful in situations where people are not on the same page and need to be “brought in” together for greater effectiveness. My Activator makes me a “thought à action” person by nature. One of the things I find interesting about my Activator strength is that it’s an influencing theme, not executing. So although I may want to “get things done quickly”, I do that best through the avenue of being able to influence others in a particular direction – whether I’m coaching them or working alongside them. My Belief is expressed in the fact that I have very deeply-held and unwavering ideas about what is true. I’m not easily influenced by others, especially when it comes to my values. Once I have good reason to believe in something, it’s difficult or even near impossible to get me to think otherwise. This makes me a super strong advocate when I’m onboard with something, big or small! What’s your favorite theme? Wow, that’s a hard one to answer but I’ll say my Connectedness. It’s fun waking up every day with a sense that “Today is not an accident!” On the hardest days, this keeps me going! Complimented with my Communication and Woo, I thrive on conversations, especially with new individuals that I meet in my daily life through friends, family, in the marketplace and in ministry. Undoubtedly, in almost any conversation, I’ll be able to find “a reason” for us talking. What’s one theme that “gets in your way”? That’s easy. Definitely my Activator. Even in the basic Gallup definition, it says “often impatient” and that couldn’t be more true about me… but I’m learning to temper it. ;) Confession: I’m that driver who “tells” the car in front of me (who can’t hear me) “Moooooove!”… and then I laugh at myself because I realize, “I’m not in a rush! I’m actually going to be EARLY!” I also have zero patience for instruction manuals, which either causes me to break things or set them up incorrectly and, in the end, often wastes time. What I find helps in those scenarios is to call on my Woo to get someone else more knowledgeable and patient to help me with the task at hand. J My Activator also trips me up when I sense so badly the need to “get moving” on something but haven’t taken the time to make a plan. I’m a great partner to the person who wants to plan forever and never get anything GOING. How has knowing your Top 5 empowered you to live a more authentic life? We live in a society that claims to encourage “uniqueness of individuals” but the reality is most are simply seeking to be a version of the person next to them. Knowing, taking ownership of and applying my Top 5 gives me the freedom to love the fact that, in some ways, I’m wired like others… but I’m still unique from all! In the adventure of being a StrengthsFinder coach, I get to glean from others and how they are coaching but I embrace the fact that I get to be me (and will find more success) when I chose to coach in a way that is aligned with how I have been uniquely designed. I think one of the most powerful ways that knowing my Top 5 helps me to live a more authentic life is the fact that I know how I’m meant to be used in the lives of OTHERS, empowering them to do the same. Want to be featured? We would love to showcase you! Haven't taken Strengths yet? Click here Follow reCreate on Instagram and Twitter under reCreateSD Like this post? Comment below!
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 Someone who is using his or her Strength of Command will rarely go unnoticed. Just their presence demands attention. They take charge, do what needs to be done and are not afraid of confrontation.
How do they think? People with high Command see no point in beating around the bush and feel like it’s essential to get their opinion across because it allows them to bring to light what may be normally avoided or misstated which in their mind is necessary. How do they feel? Individuals with command naturally are confrontational. They feel like confrontation will lead to resolution of conflicts and misunderstandings and aren’t afraid to be seen as the “bad guy”. Challenging people is the way they feel brings honesty and clarity. How do they behave? Those with high command are natural leaders and typically take control of situations. They are good at persuasion and bringing up the hard issues. You will often see them speaking up and not afraid to share their opinion which may be seen as intimidating to others because of the confidence and passion they exude. The gift in that is that they often push others to take risks and people look to them as someone that will take a stand and lead them. A few tips to help those with Discipline to live at their best:
Haven't taken Strengths yet? Click here Follow reCreate on Instagram and Twitter under reCreateSD Like this post? Comment below!  Signed, sealed and delivered. That’s what you can expect from someone who is dominant in Responsibility. Their commitment to their responsibilities and promises are as dependable as the sky is blue.
How do they think? They are driven by their ethical ownership to follow through on their commitments. They don’t see any other option but to follow through with excellence on anything their name is attached to. Those with Responsibility are extremely conscientious of following things through to completion. How do they feel? They feel psychological ownership over anything their name is attached to. They don’t believe in excuses or rationalizations that explain away anything that hasn’t been followed through with the utmost perfection. They love to be needed and love to show their commitment to keeping up their good name. How do they behave? Dependable, trustworthy, ethical, moral---these are just a few words that sum up someone with the Responsibility talent. You can expect that they will not only get things done on time but with excellence and quality. Tips for living your best life as someone with RESPONSIBILITY:
Haven't taken Strengths yet? Click here Follow reCreate on Instagram and Twitter under reCreateSD Like this post? Comment below!  What are your Top 5?
Maximizer Achiever Relator Responsibility Competition How do you see them playing out in your life? I think from an early age I was aware that I was very driven. Whether it was sports or academics, I always tried to be the best. Just participating or trying just didn’t cut it for me. I had to be constantly improving and making gains in pursuit of perfection. This of course made it difficult as an adult to work under bosses who weren’t as driven or who didn’t like high achievers. So, it took me a while to find my niche. I have finally found a good balance where I can utilize all 5 of my top strengths. I am an author, speaker, and I also teach a graduate courses in leadership where I incorporate the strengths finder assessment. What's your favorite theme? It might sound strange, but I think responsibility is my favorite theme. Any promise I make or task I start, I feel like I have to follow through on it. I feel like building a good reputation is critical to success in life and the responsibility helps build that good name. What's the one theme that "gets in your way"? While it is my top trait, I think maximizer may actually get in the way sometimes. I am all about excellence, and sometimes it is tough to stop, For instance when I am writing a book, I never feel like it is perfect, but at some point, there is a deadline and I have to let go, but it is tough! I feel like if it has my name associated with it then it has to be perfect, good is just not enough. This also probably causes me a higher level of stress than I probably need. How has knowing your top 5 empowered you to live a more authentic life? I incorporate the 5 strengths into my professional and personal life. In fact, it has been instrumental in helping me help others develop their leadership traits as well. My latest book, What School’s Don’t Teach has an entire section on developing students’ talents and strengths. I was fortunate to have Sarah, Jennifer, and Amanda as expert sources for the book. Moving forward, my goal is help others identify and develop their strengths so that they can be more successful in life. Additional info… Dr. Brad Johnson: Speaker, educator, and author of What Schools Don’t Teach: 20 Ways to Help Students Excel in School and Life Want to be featured? We would love to showcase you! Haven't taken Strengths yet? Click here Follow reCreate on Instagram and Twitter under reCreateSD Like this post? Comment below!  You know a Futuristic person by the way they view the world. Their worlds are full of limitless possibilities covered with eternal optimism that those dreams are easily achieved. If they can imagine it, in the mind of a Futuristic, it is already reality.
How do they think? They are constantly thinking about the future and the possibilities of that probable reality. Their vivid mental pictures allow them to see in detail of what that looks like, feels like, smells like and tastes like. Usually highly optimistic, a Futuristic’s view of the world typically points to a better reality. How do they feel? They are inspired and energized by the future and what the possibilities could be within it. Their visions are generally full of optimism because their minds are buzzing with the “what if’s”. How do they behave? You might call them dreamers or living in the clouds. You will likely notice them painting a picture of what could be and inspiring the people around them to see that amazing future. Tips to live at your best as a Futuristic:
Haven't taken Strengths yet? Click here Follow reCreate on Instagram and Twitter under reCreateSD Like this post? Comment below!  1. What's your top 5?
Individualization Positivity Developer Maximizer Woo 2. How do you see them playing in your life? In a multitude of ways - however namely in the ease of doing what I love best! - I am good at various tasks within my work -and therefore it takes less time and in turn less costs for my clients when they embrace creative license and enabling me to soar with there designs! 3. What's your favorite theme? Probably positivity - As I am one of the lucky ones who embraces changes and can normally find the upside to every painful lesson. 4. What's the one theme that "get's in your way?" Definitely the individualization - I need unique - different - never seen before …. Clients sometimes not so much. They occasionally call me and ask me to replicate a design I’ve done previously and I prefer not to . Design is as unique , as the individuals who reside there. I simply believe your own uniqueness should be a part of the design - not someone else’s .. 5. How has knowing your top 5 empowered you to live a more authentic life? It has empowered me to Own my Gifts - I no longer apologize for wanting to create unique custom things , (sometimes a little bit costly things) If you want Prefab times - thats wonderful, and its not incorrect. I simply realize I need the oxygen that creativity provides me when I am concept-ing from my heart the most amazing element that isn’t available to the masses. Clients who feel that they cannot afford my services , sometimes scale back a project - instead of doing a whole floor - we may tackle 3 rooms - SPOILER ALERT - you will quickly see the difference and rush to afford phase 2 :) I never connected the dots on this theme before - but its truly innate . I am also a boutique shopper vs. big box I would prefer my personal style to be individual and chic - vs . Mass production purchase on line - I'm not a label person - I like quality above quantity , and need to share that in my work. Check out Jennifer's beautiful designs on her website: http://www.jenniferbrouwerdesign.com Want to be featured? We would love to showcase you! Haven't taken Strengths yet? Click here Follow reCreate on Instagram and Twitter under reCreateSD Like this post? Comment below!  A person talented with the Developer strength can spot talent and see potential where others see mediocrity. They are natural encouragers and talent seekers. They not only see potential in people, but in processes.
How do they think? Developers are looking for the possibilities even in places that seem impossible. Where others may dismiss someone or something, they will be thinking of all the ways this person or process can grow and develop. How do they feel? They are eternal optimists and tend to see the light, even in the darkness. They feel compelled to help people grow and bring them to a place of improvement, even in the smallest ways. How do they behave? Developers are great to have in organizations because they will take the time and have the patience necessary to facilitate growth in a team or process. They will find ways to challenge people to bring them to their full potential and pave the way for them. Tips for living your best life as someone with DEVELOPER:
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Strengths-based Development (SBD) is our passion, commitment and life. Team reCreate is devoted to work that creates transformation, meaning and purpose in the lives of those we serve. This space is meant for you to get to know us, learn more about Strengths and hear from others in this line of work. Thanks for being on this journey with us! Archives
July 2015
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