Dreaming Your Story: Opportunities for Strengths Development

Presented by

Eric K. Kaufman

for

Blacksburg United Methodist Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs)

Who is Eric Kaufman?• Associate Professor &

Extension Specialist @ Virginia Tech

• Coordinator of VT’s Graduate Certificate in Collaborative Community Leadership

• Former H.S. AgriScience Teacher

• Father of Ethan & Sara• Husband of Shevon!

Personal SWOT Analysis

Strengths•What do you do well?•What do others see as your strengths?

Weaknesses•What could you improve?•What are others likely to see as weaknesses?

Opportunities•What trends could you take advantage of?•How can you turn your strengths into opportunities?

Threats•What trends could harm you?•What threats do your weaknesses expose you to?

Worksheet and instructions available at http://bit.ly/pSWOT

What to do with the SWOT data…

According to Gallup’s research the most effective leaders:

1. Are always investing in strengths

2. Surround themselves with the right people and then maximize their team

3. Understand their followers needs

Reference: Rath & Conchie’s (2008) Strengths Based Leadership

What Makes You Come Alive?

Oprah & Buckingham on Strengths

http://bit.ly/1mt3R2Ohttp://bit.ly/1dqzvYO

Leadership Myths &Truths (Buckingham, 2008)

Myths

• Each of us can be anything we want if we just work hard.

Truths

Leadership Myths &Truths (Buckingham, 2008)

Myths

• Each of us can be anything we want if we just work hard.

Truths

• You can be anything your strengths allow you to be.

Lessons from TinkerBellhttp://youtu.be/MuZ_ywUnjdk

Leadership Myths &Truths (Buckingham, 2008)

Myths

• Each of us can be anything we want if we just work hard.

• We grow most where we are weakest.

Truths

• You can be anything your strengths allow you to be.

Leadership Myths &Truths (Buckingham, 2008)

Myths

• Each of us can be anything we want if we just work hard.

• We grow most where we are weakest.

Truths

• You can be anything your strengths allow you to be.

• We grow most in areas we are already strong.

Buckingham on Gradeshttp://youtu.be/o_DP0zFLhmk

Leadership Myths &Truths (Buckingham, 2008)

Myths

• Each of us can be anything we want if we just work hard.

• We grow most where we are weakest.

• Strengths will take care of themselves.

Truths

• You can be anything your strengths allow you to be.

• We grow most in areas we are already strong.

Leadership Myths &Truths (Buckingham, 2008)

Myths

• Each of us can be anything we want if we just work hard.

• We grow most where we are weakest.

• Strengths will take care of themselves.

Truths

• You can be anything your strengths allow you to be.

• We grow most in areas we are already strong.

• I can be taught knowledge and skills, but I can’t learn talents.

Lessons from “Good Will Hunting”http://youtu.be/8gfipuaIA68

What is a Strength? Weakness?

STRENGTH• Consistent, near perfect performance

in an activity

= STRENGTH

WEAKNESS• Something that gets in the way of

excellent performance

Knowledge + Skills + Talents

INDICATORS OF WEAKNESS • Feel defensive about performance

– Develop obsessive behavior

• Exhibit slow learning– Do not profit from with repeated experience

• Experience a reduction of confidence from performing the activity

• Lack futuristic thinking about the activity• Suffer burnout while practicing

How Do I Find My Strengths?

Listen to your yearnings

Watch for satisfactions

Watch for rapid learning

Glimpses of excellence

Total performance of excellence

APPLYING WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

Children’s Opportunity to Grow & Learn

In 2012, 80% of Americans said most children in their country have the

opportunity to learn and grow every day, while 66% said they are treated

with dignity and respect.

Children’s Opportunity to Grow & Learn

http://www.gallup.com/poll/166994/scores-low-children.aspx

Implications?

How Do I Develop?

• Identify Priorities

• Craft Mission/Vision

• Outline Goals

• Execute

http://www.faithmentoringandmore.com/html/articles/idea_9.htm

Questions & Discussion

• Please Contact Me:– Eric Kaufman,

EKK@VT.Edu