Things I Like - StrengthFinder. Post your strengths

I am a huge fan of knowing and using your strengths. Not your physical muscles but the intangible things that make you who you are. There are countless surveys, assessments and personality tests one can take. I have listed two of my favorites that I use and have my teams use.

1. Strength Finder:In my opinion this is one of the best tools and assessments you can take. When you purchase the book "Now Discover your Strengths" you receive a code that can be used for the Clifton Strength Finder assessment. If you are at all wondering how to best find out some of your strengths and how to start using them read the book and take the assessment. I sue this with all staff and volunteers that work with me. In my opinion this is a must use.

My top 5 Strengths Are: Competition, Analytical, Activator, Command and Significance. View a description of these strengths by clicking here.

2. APEST: Not only are your strengths important but also understanding your spiritual gifts and the often over looked ministry style of the five fold ministry found in Ephesians 4. The APEST assessment is a profiling instrument designed to assist you in finding your ministry style in relation to the philosophy of the fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4 (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, Teachers). Put another way APEST is an online, formative, self-assessment designed to measures an individual’s current ministry motivation and expression in ministry settings. As a result, APEST leads one to new areas of learning and integration for increased ministry engagement. APEST provides a quantified result to identify one’s current place for influence within a larger community. They even offer a 360 assessment to do with your team. You can read an article by @Alan Hirschon this assessment tool and leadership here

My APEST Percentage Score is: Prophetic (44%) Apostolic (33%) Teaching (28%) Evangelistic (17%) Shepherding (7%)

My APEST 360 Review Came Out as: Prophetic(34%) Apostolic (33%) Evangelistic (24%) Teaching (21%) Shepherding (14%)

View my APEST definitions summary by clicking here.

So, what are your strengths? Care to share?  I find this fascinating and think its a great tool to use.

As a side note, I believe that strengths based hiring is often overlooked in favour of ability and skill.  While skills are obviously important, they can also be taught. In my opinion, many openings would be better filled if first we ask, "What strengths do we need for this position?"

Thoughts?

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