We all have strengths and weaknesses.

Often they are the same thing in different contexts. For example, one of my weaknesses is my lack of ‘tact’ which has bitten me in the bum on different occasions. At other times, it has been seen as my ‘openness’ and ‘directness’ and has been considered a strength.

It can be useful, in a training sequence like this one, to take some time to objectively consider your strengths and what you can do to build on them.

SOT uses and recommends to students and corporate clients the tools of the two leaders in STRENGTH science, Gallup and Seligman. The Gallup Strength Centre has a range of solutions for fees and Seligman has developed tools through the University of Pennsylvania.

Today, your task is to complete the Brief Strengths Test and then return here to post your DFQ answer. The University of Pennsylvania’s Brief Strengths Test is an excellent tool because it’s easy to do, it’s free and is scientifically validated and authentic.

The test is part of the work by Dr Martin Seligman of University of Pennsylvania who is the founder of Positive Psychology, a new and fast-growing branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions.

Dr Seligman’s research has demonstrated that it is possible to be happier – to feel more satisfied, to be more engaged with life, find more meaning, have higher hopes, and probably even laugh and smile more, regardless of one’s circumstances.

Positive psychology interventions can also lastingly decrease depression symptoms. Authentic Happiness has over 700,000 registered users around the world.

I met Marty in Melbourne in 2007 and he welcomes us to use all of the resources on his website for free. At that time I was a Founding Member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Positive Psychology at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education which is devoted to the development of positive students, positive schools and positive systems.

– Today’s Task: Brief Strengths Test (5 mins)

https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/testcenter

• Click on the link above and then click on the BRIEF STRENGTHS TEST. Then to REGISTER just type in a username and password and you are able to proceed with the test. The test asks you to think about how you have acted in the actual situations described during the past month (four weeks). The questions ask about behaviors that most people find desirable.

• Second Option (if you cannot connect onto the Penn Uni site): Go to the VIA Character test which is also world class (and also free):
http://www.viacharacter.org/www/Character-Strengths-Survey

DFQ #06:
Post your top strength rated according to the test.

Comment on why you think it is one of your personal strengths.