Developer

The second strength that the Strength's Finder Assessment (see previous blog post) identified for me was that of Developer.

This is one that I sort of struggle with, its not that I don't think that I have this strength, its just that I'm not certain I would put it in my top 5. Overall, I think I need to spend some more time with this strength and really see where it fits into my life and how. But for now... let me tell you more about it!

DEVELOPER

You see the potential in others.  Very often, potential is all you see.  In you r view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And you are drawn toward people for this very reason. When you interact with others , your goal is to help them experience success. You look for ways to challenge them. You devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow.  And all the while you are on the lookout for the signs of growth - a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skills, a glimpse of excellence or of "flow" where previously there were only halting steps. 

 

For you these small increments - invisible to some - are clear signs of potential being realized. These signs of growth in other are your fuel. They bring you strength and satisfaction.  Over time many will seek you out for help and encouragement because on some level they know that your helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to you.

 

 

I found the image below on google while I was thinking about being a developer. It really got me thinking about the times in other's lives that I have seen potential and encouraged it. I think that this is a strength I struggle with because I want it to be paired with motivator. For me, if someone sees something in themselves, I can encourage the heck out of them. I can help them navigate road blocks and can really assist in positive growth. However, I am not a natural motivator, so if I see something in someone that they don't see I get really frustrated when they don't do anything about it. At which point I don't feel like a developer.

 

 

 
 As I spend more time with this strength I think I must remind myself and every person gets to choose what they do with their potential. They get to make the choices for their own lives and I can't get down on myself for the choices that other's make.  Definitely something to remember!