I just got back from a very thoughtful class session. Anyone reading this who was at the session in question might laugh at that opening line, since it consisted of Kirby explaining to us that he had decided to retire after next year, and then asking us for career advice. I didn't have much to say--I spent the time listening and thinking. That would be why I call the session "thoughtful." I took time to reflect on my own perspectives on job hunting or career seeking as compared to what Kirby was talking about. But I'm not going into specifics on that tonight. No, those thoughts need a little more time to percolate. What I am going to give you is something else from the class. We each took a test that was supposed to tell us what our top five strengths are. So, without further ado, here are my strengths and my initial reactions to them:
Input: "People strong in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information."
This one makes perfect sense for me. I collect all sorts of things—teddy bears, books, shoes. I definitely collect information. I’ve kept all my old notebooks from classes, and store them for future reference. And I am constantly reading. Though it is usually for my own enjoyment rather than study, I do amuse myself by noting the connections, allusions and dew ideas I find as I read. I especially like that the description of this trait includes the word “archive.” Everything I keep, I like to keep organized and in order. That is why I enjoy the library work I have done in the past, and think I may like to do more of it in the future.
Intellection: "People strong in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions."
This trait has much in common with the first one. With all the reading and collecting I do, I spend a great deal of time thinking. In fact, I am prone to spend so much time thinking about things that I run out of time to act upon the ideas. I know I’m introspective, but I’m not so sure about the intellectual discussions. I really don’t talk to people about deep subjects now that Dianna is gone. Of course, I loved philosophy, so maybe that part does fit me too.
Learner: "People strong 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."
Again, this trait is so similar to the first that I almost have trouble separating the two in my mind. I love school because I love to learn. Perhaps part of the reason I cannot think of what to do with myself after I graduate is because I would rather just stay in school and continue my studies forever. But then, if I do spend the rest of my days in a library, I could continue my learning for free. That’s one of the most appealing aspects of a library career—people expect a librarian to know everything, so I would have the best reason possible to study absolutely everything.
Context: "People strong in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history."
This is where things really get interesting. According to the book, I am the sort of person who finds today’s answers in the past. That’s true enough, I suppose. Until now I thought everyone must realize that, but apparently they don’t. A member of my writing group said that the reason he likes my story so well is the feeling of history behind it. I wrote it that way instinctively. I mean, how can the actions of my characters make any sense unless we understand the world they live in? And how can we understand their world without being exposed to the history that formed it?
Strategic: "People strong in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues."
Honestly, this one made me laugh when I first read it. But it does fit me. Recently Liberty noticed that I even have a strategic method of doing laundry, so that everything has time to dry properly. I won’t tackle any task without a proper plan. And what plans! I think things through form beginning to end, sometimes planning out entire conversations that I need to have. Oftentimes, the only way I can get through a large project is by planning out a specific time and place to do each part. I only hope that this aspect doesn’t make me seem cold and calculating. I am merely trying to pay attention to kairos, acting and speaking at the opportune moment. Sometimes this trait becomes a fault when I get too attached to my plans. I can get upset when my plans change, even if the change turns out to be good. I just don’t like having people mess around with a plan I’ve thought through so carefully.
I know being strategic helps with my writing. Because I can plan out a potential conversation, I can create believable dialogue between characters. I can also see what situations and events need to occur to move the plot forward in the direction I want it to. So I guess it’s a good trait for me to have.
So that's what I thought of them all. What do you think? I'd honestly like to know.
-Kim
Librarian, You're a grand old
11 years ago
4 comments:
Hey Kim --
First, I wish I could have been at your class last night. I didn't know that Kirby was "going public" with his plan. It would have been an interesting discussion.
As for the strengths stuff, I find it fascinating. I took the StrengthsQuest thing when Kirby taught the one-credit-hour class on Spirituality, Calling, & Service a couple of years ago. My top five: Input, Intellection, Adaptability, Learner, Deliberative.
Mostly, I just wanted to applaud the reference to kairos in your post. Always fun to see term popping up in new contexts.
Sounds like you alright! Though I'm going to need to ponder on it a bit. These are some new catagories.
Mom
I think my homemade Roasted Garlic Potato buns are amazing!! Now, what to do with the rest of the dough? More buns, for sure, and maybe a loaf of bread! Yes, that's it, I'll....
Oh, you mean thoughts about your blog!! Heh, silly me, where was my mind? :P Well, I found it informative, TRUTH-ful, and awesome!
¡Qué increíble, ameguita! You know you are who you think you are! Yippee! I must say, none of that surprises me in the least, because I always read you as a "bookworm on both ends" (reading and writing). You can quote me if you like, because it's true and I'm rambling and that's a goofy thing for me to do, so yep. Oh, I have high heels, now. I shall send a photo shortly, so you might also delight in their neatness!
I've been meaning to comment on this ever since you posted, but a combination of wanting to find the perfect words and midterm break and general busyness has forced me to procrastinate until now.
What you had to say about history piqued my interest. We are currently in the midst of our British History course here at Oxford and I can't help but find myself dislking it. I suppose the reasoning for studying history (of any kind) is important and logical, I just can never bring myself to take joy in it. In reading history texts today for research, I found myself having issues switching from the philosophical mindset of defining the issue and coming up with arguments against it to simply absorbing the information and actually paying attention to the dates. I have noticed that meticulousness and interest in the past in your nature, but never knew quite how to define it.
And to be honest, the last one (Strategy) made me think as well. Your ways of finding alternate routes and plans are not spontaneous, as one would originally interpret the question, but they are well thought out and usually workable, which I think is a more accurate representation of the question.
It's interesting, when someone tells us other things about ourselves...we don't really notice it until it's pointed out. If David hadn't told me last year that I laugh at everything, I probably wouldn't have noticed for a much longer time. And when someone points out that part of your personality and praises it, it can help create a love of yourself that's not selfish, but appreciative, if that makes any sense.
In my devotion today, I read in Ephesians about how one should love their spouse as themselves, and it's fascinating how it applies to all relationships, not just between husband and wife. We must learn to love ourselves and see ourselves the way God sees us before we can have that outpouring of love for other people. And I think recognizing qualities that are good and identifiably true about ourselves is a great beginning point.
That turned out to be much longer, but I hope that it contributes to the discussion, instead of adding to any confusion. But then again, maybe we can sit down some time and have a good laugh about it all.
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