The Gun Show is "That Way": Displaying Strengths

Well, according to StrengthsQuest, I possess the following strengths: Learner, Individualization, Intellection, Achiever, and Deliberative. I feel as if my group will agree when I say that I used my deliberative nature the most during the challenge. Basically, I think about EVERYTHING way too much. It's almost a handicap, really. I remember writing emails to send to companies and student organizations and I burned SO much time re-reading and re-reading, and yup, re-reading. I got some pretty good feedback from one teammate about how meticulous I was being, and how it was indeed slowing our progress. However, I learned to channel these painstaking tendencies towards good. I drafted template emails to distribute to various organizations and entities, and this allowed me to have more time to devote to other aspects of our initiative. Other manifestations of my deliberate nature were our group discussions, in which I would often sit back and listen, contemplating, and only speak up when I had something to say- well, most of the time. Sometimes, I wouldn't stop talking. :) Otherwise, I tried to focus on planning, but, you know what? Things don't always go your way. Preparation is key, but it's important to be both proactive and to react appropriately.

I would say Deliberation is one of my most commanding strengths since it's the most observable. Everyone and their mother is an Achiever in SOME form or fashion (we can debate this if you'd like). But deliberation, makes me different, so I have come to conclude. Basically, I do everything on purpose (well, most things), and I try to forsee the outcome of my decisions. This has stimulated my development and has augmented my perception. I like the sound of being "deliberate", instead of wandering. Not everyone lives his or her life this way, but it works for me. It works especially well in situations which demand a balance of spontaneity and order. Meetings always got the creative juices flowing, but sometimes we lose track of time and of ourselves, getting immersed in the land of possibilities and fantasy. That's my cue to be like "so what's the point?" or "what are we really trying to say/do?" Purpose is the key. It's much easier to get somewhere if you know where you're going. So, I try to make sure people keep their eyes on the prize. I would say this trait serves me well, because my opinion is sometimes solicited whenever groups sense that we are "wandering", and they ask me to help get back on track. It's kind of cool. Everyone, everything, and every act has a purpose, so I try to draw out the meaning and go with it. I think my team liked the fact that I didn't waste much effort. Everything had a purpose, despite the outcome.

All these leadership books keep telling us to make inventories of our strengths. That feels weird to me. I feel like other people are better at observing our strengths. Oh well. Let's see, what am I good at? I think I'm good at making people feel comfortable, even when I make them feel weird. Basically, since people sense that I'm okay with awkwardness, I can basically do anything I want and it works, because they know it's okay. Now, I have my boundaries and I have integrity, so let's not get carried away with the "anything" part. I have been known to say some pretty off-the-wall things in my day, but now I'm more comfortable and other people can sense that. I think I'm good at challenging people. Too often we become satisfied with progress and lose sight of potential. I always challenge people to be better- the same approach that I use for myself. However, I have downplayed this in recent times, since I can come across a little controversial and contentious at times.Hmm. I think I'm also good at calling things like they are. On a personal note, everyone says I'm too hard on myself, but I just call it like it is. IT IS WHAT IT IS. And no amount of self-persuasion or delusion will change that. Objectivity. There it is. Only thing is, logic directs my sails, and sometimes logic changes based on the day. So, that objectivity has a disclaimer.

Of the aforementioned skills, I would say that this challenge offers a unique opportunity for me to challenge people- the way they think, the way they act, and the way they are. Through our group discussions, we have dug up some issues that need to be addressed. I like challenging people to go beyond the obvious and to tap into the core of their being to discover the reasons they hold certain views on the world. Only then can we change; only then can we grow; and only then can we make a difference. Basically, if people are open to being challenged, then I'll do it. I'm not afraid to offend people ("I ain't scurred) for the sake of progress. Remember, everything needs to have a purpose.

I'm doing a lot of talking, and could definitely use some feedback. How do I like my feedback? Thanks for asking. I prefer mine well-done. No juiciness, or tenderness. Just gritty, tough, and to the point. Be prepared for me to get mad and to shrink into my little defensive shell. But just know that I weigh all opinions equally, at first, and will consider the feedback being offered. But, one of my favorite questions is Why, or should I say How So? I don't expect a whole, you suck because of this. No, no. If you take the time to understand the situation, then I will be more willing to accept and act upon criticism. Seek to understand, and then to be understood. -Mr. Covey

Well, that's all I got folks. I think I'm getting a better grasp of this whole blog thing. Stream of consciousness (which is probably why this blog is so long and why I'm still typing.) Anyways, be well.

Ernesto, out.