Texas Christian University

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StrengthsQuest Foundations of Business

• Texas Christian University
• University Career Services

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Strengths Philosophy
Despite the American myth, I cannot be or do
whatever I desire a truism, to be sure, but a
truism we often defy. Our created natures make
us like organisms in an ecosystem there are
some roles and relationships in which we thrive
and others in which we wither and die. Parker
J. Palmer Let Your Life Speak
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Weakness Fixing The Wrong Assumptions

• 1. All behaviors can be learned.
• If you try hard enough, you can do it.
• If you want it badly enough, you can do it.
• If you dream it, you can achieve it.
• 2. Everyone reaches the answer the same way.
• 3. If you fix your weaknesses, you will be
  successful.

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Strengths-Building The Right Assumptions

• Some behaviors (talents) can be learned. Some
  cannot.
• We can all get to the same conclusion, but we can
  each get there by taking our own path.
• Weakness-fixing prevents failure.
  Strengths-building leads to success.

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Talent Skills Knowledge Strength

• Talent An inherent quality something that comes
  naturally to us.
• Skill Steps that can be learned (tap dancing,
  burning a CD, etc.).
• Knowledge Factual information (what we know
  learn)
• Strength The ability to consistently excel at
  our talents.

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Five Clues To Talent

• Yearning What kinds of activities are you
  naturally drawn to?
• Rapid Learning What kinds of activities do you
  seem to pick up quickly?
• Flow In what activities did the steps just
  come to you automatically?
• Glimpses of Excellence During what activities
  have you had moments of subconscious excellence,
  How did I do that?
• Satisfaction What activities give you a kick,
  either while doing them or immediately after
  finishing them, Oh, when can I do that again?

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Recognition of Your Strengths

• Activity
• Place in the Circle As you hear a statement
  that fits you, please stand up.

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Strengths Philosophy

• Top Achievers All Have These Things In Common
• They build their lives upon their talents.
• They fully recognize their talents and develop
  them into strengths.
• They apply their strengths in roles that best
  suit them.
• They find ways to apply their strengths to their
  goals.

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Strengths Themes Creating A Common Language
Achiever Activator Adaptability Analytical Arran
ger Belief Command Communication Competition Conn
ectedness Consistency
Intellection Learner Maximizer Postivity
Relator Responsibility Restorative
Self-Assurance Significance Strategic Woo
Context Deliberative Developer Discipline Empathy
Focus Futuristic Harmony Ideation Includer
Individualization Input
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Recognition of Your Strengths

• Activity
• With a partner, generate ways that you can use
  your strengths.

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How to Use Your Strengths

• Introducing yourself (30-Second Intro.)
• Interviewing, Networking, etc.
• Writing your Résumé and Cover Letters
• Working more efficiently
• And more

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Recognition of Your Strengths

• Activity
• Take a few minutes to develop your 30-sec
  introduction.
• Share it with two other people.
• Share it with the class.

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For More Information
StrengthsQuest Web site www.strengthsquest.com
StrengthsQuest Discover and Develop Your
Strengths in Academics, Career, and Beyond