The Strength-Finder. VIA Survey of Character Strengths 101
Strength spotting in the wild
The Strength-Finder
Self-assessments can be a special kind of torture. Those cringe-worthy personality quizzes you're forced to take at team retreats? Let's just say I'd rather face a spreadsheet full of unruly data than answer another question about my ideal cocktail party.
Am I right?
But here's the thing: understanding your character strengths is non-negotiable. It's the foundation upon which we'll build your 24X stronger leadership style. So, let's abandon the cheesy questionnaires and make this process not only painless, but dare I say, a little bit fun.
Think X-ray, Not Rorschach Test
First, an important mindset shift—forget about those vague, psycho-babble terms. You're not dissecting your childhood traumas or trying to figure out if you're an introvert, extrovert, or some confusing ambivert hybrid. You're going for laser-focused clarity.
The science behind character strengths is refreshingly straightforward. Psychologists carefully studied and categorized positive personality traits across cultures and throughout history. What emerged are those 24 core strengths that transcend labels or trends. Think of them as the building blocks of your best self.
Our goal is to create a crystal-clear snapshot of YOUR unique strengths profile, not force you into some generic box. It's about revealing what you already possess, not what you lack.
VIA: Your Strength-Decoding Tool
The most well-respected tool for uncovering your character strengths is called the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. It's free, has a ton of research backing it up, and takes only 15 minutes to complete.
VIA Survey Link:
Go ahead and do the VIA Survey now. I’ll wait…
Don't overthink the survey; go with your gut reactions. The key is honesty, not trying to guess the "right" answers. When you're done, you'll get a ranking of all 24 strengths. This is your starting line, your personalized leadership blueprint.
If you choose to move forward without taking the aforementioned survey, please pick 1 to 3 strengths from the list below that you would like to work on.
Dissecting Your Results
Now that you have your ranked list, let's resist the urge to obsess over being #1 in "kindness" or dead last in "prudence." Instead, focus on the big picture, those patterns that emerge:
Your Signature Strengths This is your top tier, usually around 5-7 strengths. These are your go-to qualities, the ones that shape how you lead and shine.Middle Ground These are strengths that you tap into, but perhaps less consistently or with less conscious effort. Think of them as superpowers in development.Lower Tier Don't be discouraged! These are not weaknesses, simply strengths that tend to take a backseat for you. We may occasionally tap into them in specific situations.A Word of Caution
It's tempting to cling to your signature strengths like a security blanket. We all love feeling awesome, right? But the true magic happens when you start to see your entire profile as a strategic toolkit. Remember, some of your biggest growth opportunities might lie in those less-developed strengths. We'll get to that soon enough!
Beyond the List: Strength Spotting in the Wild
Your VIA results are a great starting point, but let's make this real. I want you to start observing yourself in action like a curious anthropologist. Start a "Strength Journal" (digital or good old-fashioned notebook, your call). Over the next week, pay extra close attention to moments when you feel:
Engaged and energized: What were you doing? Were you using any particular strengths?Proud of your decisions or actions: Dig into the 'why' behind that feeling. Which strengths were you tapping into?In a flow state: You know, those times when work feels effortless, almost joyful? That's a strong clue that you're in your 'strength zone.'Jot down these observations. We'll revisit them later for valuable insights. You might even ask a trusted colleague or friend to help you “strength spot.” Sometimes, others see our best qualities more clearly than we do!
Ready For the Next Step?
Understanding your unique strengths is just the beginning. The real fun lies in learning how to strategically amplify those strengths for maximum leadership impact.
To Say it Differently…
Think of your personality as a messy toolbox. Years of leadership advice told you to focus on those rusty pliers of self-doubt, trying to fix them into shiny new confidence screwdrivers. I say, forget the pliers! Dig around and you'll find hidden gems—maybe an industrial-grade leadership-problem-solving drill, or a ridiculously sturdy you-can-handle-anything hammer. This isn't about becoming someone new. It's about discovering the unexpectedly powerful tools you've had all along and learning to use them with expert precision.
I will see you next week, when we will talk about how to own your “awesome”.
Or to get ahead and support my writing, you can purchase my ebook on Amazon: “Fall in Love With Your Inner Leader: Become More Connected, Confident, Creative in 7 Weeks.”