Stanley’s top five strengths after taking the Clifton StrengthFinder Test.

The Clifton StrengthsFinder

As you may know, the Clifton StrengthsFinder measures the presence of talent in 34 categories called “themes.” These themes were determined by Gallup as those that most consistently predict outstanding performance. The greater the presence of a theme of talent within a person, the more likely that person is to spontaneously exhibit those talents in day-to-day behaviors.Focusing on naturally powerful talents helps people use them as the foundation of strengths and enjoy personal, academic, and career success through consistent, near-perfect performance.

Below are my top five themes of talent, ranked in the order revealed by my responses to the Clifton StrengthsFinder.

How well do you think these themes describe me?

Before jumping out a a plane Airborne Army will check the conditions. This is being strategic and being sure you have the highest probability of success. I do this in more ways than just with making photos, but being sure the conditions will result in the best success.

People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

Nelson, my step-son, graduated from Airborne School this week at Fort Benning, Georgia. Here you can see how marking this milestone with a pin and a close friend makes this journey rewarding in so many ways.

People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

My friends and family all laugh at this photo, because of the guy on the right. We all have added our on caption comments. What this photo shows is how I try and capture the fact everyone is different. The key for me is celebrating the differences.

People who are especially talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.

Jumping out of the C-130 required the Airborne School participants to get up early. They reported at 1:30 a.m. and here they are just now jumping at 2:30 p.m. I believe those who achieve a lot, take the time to do those things that people do not see. While I saw the jump, I didn’t see the weeks of practice before this moment.

People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.

I really love this moment. I can feel the student trying and the teacher caring to be sure excellence is achieved. I think if I could I would be a full time student–oh I forgot for a second, but my career path has given me this opportunity by meeting people and learning about them so I can help tell their story.

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.

We devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths. While you don’t want to go around ticking people off and you should address those things, you can spend too much time working on your flaws when you would get more results playing to your strengths.

This is why I recommend to photographers to find something you are interested in to photograph. It is amazing how much of a difference engaging your passion will have on the work you produce.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon

Be thankful for your gifts that you have. I recommend buying the book and taking the online test so you can discover your strengths.

What are your strengths? Are you playing to them?