StrengthsFinder

From the StrengthsFinder Full Theme Descriptions:

Intellection

You like to think. You like mental activity. You like exercising the “muscles” of your brain, stretching them in multiple directions. This need for mental activity may be focused; for example, you may be trying to solve a problem or develop an idea or understand another person’s feelings. The exact focus will depend on your other strengths. On the other hand, this mental activity may very well lack focus. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what you are thinking about; it simply describes that you like to think. You are the kind of person who enjoys your time alone because it is your time for musing and reflection. You are introspective. In a sense you are your own best companion, as you pose yourself questions and try out answers on yourself to see how they sound. This introspection may lead you to a slight sense of discontent as you compare what you are actually doing with all the thoughts and ideas that your mind conceives. Or this introspection may tend toward more pragmatic matters such as the events of the day or a conversation that you plan to have later. Wherever it leads you, this mental hum is one of the constants of your life.

Adaptability

You live in the moment. You don’t see the future as a fixed destination. Instead, you see it as a place that you create out of the choices that you make right now. And so you discover your future one choice at a time. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have plans. You probably do.But this theme of Adaptability does enable you to respond willingly to the demands of themoment even if they pull you away from your plans. Unlike some, you don’t resent suddenrequests or unforeseen detours. You expect them. They are inevitable. Indeed, on some levelyou actually look forward to them. You are, at heart, a very flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work are pulling you in many different directions at once.

Learner

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.”

Analytical

Your Analytical theme challenges other people: “Prove it. Show me why what you are claim-
ing is true.” In the face of this kind of questioning some will find that their brilliant theories
wither and die. For you, this is precisely the point. You do not necessarily want to destroy
other people’s ideas, but you do insist that their theories be sound. You see yourself as ob-
jective and dispassionate. You like data because they are value free. They have no agenda.
Armed with these data, you search for patterns and connections. You want to understand
how certain patterns affect one another. How do they combine? What is their outcome? Does
this outcome fit with the theory being offered or the situation being confronted? These are
your questions. You peel the layers back until, gradually, the root cause or causes are re-
vealed. Others see you as logical and rigorous. Over time they will come to you in order to
expose someone’s “wishful thinking” or “clumsy thinking” to your refining mind. It is hoped
that your analysis is never delivered too harshly. Otherwise, others may avoid you when that
“wishful thinking” is their own.

As I add each new post in my StrengthsFinder results series, I will add the full descriptions here.
Connectedness

From the StrengthsFinder My Personalized Guide:

Intellection

Shared Theme Description

People who are especially talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.

What makes you stand out?
By nature, you periodically expand your sphere of knowledge by reading certain types of material. Maybe a good book or a well-written magazine article can transport you to other cultures or centuries. Possibly the printed word — whether on paper or on a computer screen — is your passport to new destinations. Like world travelers, perhaps you pick up a few souvenirs from your reading, such as facts, data, characters, plots, insights, or tips. It’s very likely that you sometimes you like to read. Perhaps you refrain from accepting information at its face value — that is, its seeming worth or truth. Instead, you examine some ideas, suggestions, or facts from a variety of angles. Once in a while, you may conclude the information is worth filing away, taking notes on, or remembering for later reference. Driven by your talents, you periodically feel restless until you have collected enough insights to thoughtfully examine certain kinds of abstract concepts, theories, or ideas. This may be one reason why you are attracted to specific people. Perhaps they engage in intelligent conversations. Possibly they refrain from casual chit-chat or meaningless small talk. Because of your strengths, you can hold your own in conversations with certain types of reasonable people. Perhaps they share a little bit of your desire to search for truth in specific areas. Occasionally you fine tune your thinking about some of the issues facing individuals or humankind

Adaptability

Shared Theme Description

People who are especially talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to “go with the flow.” They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.

What makes you stand out?

Chances are good that you realize that each day offers its own surprises. You trust you can handle whatever occurs. Even when you do not know exactly what to do, you probably know someone who does. You have an uncanny ability to easily and cooperatively proceed in the direction in which other people and processes are moving. Because of your strengths, you surround yourself with lovely things. These have the power to soothe, calm, energize, and inspire you. The arts or nature itself enhances your sense of well-being. You probably pay attention to your environment because you choose to live each moment to its fullest. It’s very likely that you may enjoy reading. To some degree, it allows you to gather certain kinds of information to expand your storehouse of knowledge. If surrounded by individuals who cannot sit still, perhaps giving your full attention to the printed word is difficult. You might avoid the company of restless people when you want to give your undivided attention to a particular book, magazine article, newspaper account, personal correspondence, or official document. Driven by your talents, you are quite comfortable letting the day’s events and people’s demands determine what really deserves your attention.

Learner

Shared Theme Description

People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

What makes you stand out?

Driven by your talents, you may identify the specific traits or experiences that distinguish one person from the next. When you familiarize yourself with someone, you might be able to predict how the person will react in different situations. Because of your strengths, you may see some value in continuous education. Perhaps this reflects your interest in particular topics. Sometimes you are fascinated with the process of acquiring knowledge or skills. Chances are good that you can be scholarly if you have a desirable goal to reach. Perhaps you are willing to examine certain topics for extended periods of time. This might satisfy your need for knowledge or your desire to make measurable progress. It’s very likely that you may acquire certain kinds of knowledge more easily when you can talk with others about ideas, concepts, or theories. To some degree, thoughts come alive for you when questions are posed and answers are proposed. You might have a delightful time thinking out loud and listening to intelligent people express themselves. You might document or store in your mind bits and pieces of information. Perhaps you want to refer to these insights or facts when an opportunity presents itself.

Analytical

Shared Theme Description

People who are especially talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation.

What makes you stand out?

Because of your strengths, you may be aware of some of the elements impacting a group of people, a project, a process, a deal, or a proposal. Perhaps you think through some of the facts to predict possible outcomes or consequences. You might produce a reasonable explanation for why certain things might or might not happen. Instinctively, you periodically like to work alone. Why? Maybe you sense you can accomplish a little bit more that way. Perhaps you enhance your personal productivity by assigning a level of importance or urgency to every task. You might start with the most critical activity and work your way to the least critical. It’s very likely that you may have acquired specific knowledge, skills, degrees, or certifications over the years. Perhaps these give you the background you need to logically evaluate how different elements come together to influence an event, a crisis, or an opportunity. Driven by your talents, you may notice that some people tell you about their innermost thoughts or feelings. Why? They might sense you can help them sort through things or pinpoint relevant facts. Perhaps you are known for your intelligence and your sensitivity.

As I add each new post in my StrengthsFinder results series, I will add the personalized descriptions here.

Connectedness