Running head: STRENGTHS FINDER REFLECTION

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Strengths Finder Reflection

Maryanna Sarkissian
Health, Happiness, and Human Rights
Dr. Neiworth
Portland State University
October 20, 2015

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Strengths Finder Reflection

After taking the Strengths Finder assessment, I was able to see that my top five strengths
were: strategic, achiever, futuristic, intellection, and restorative. Some of my strengths came as a
surprise when I first saw them, but after giving it some thought, I was able to realize that they
were qualities that I greatly possessed. My top five given strengths impressively reflected
amongst the individual that I am.
According to Strengths Finder (2015), being strategic is described as people who can
quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues with any given scenario. I am someone who is able
to quickly analyze a problem and come up with a solution, my mind allowing me to venture
beyond the commonplace, the familiar, or the obvious. As with most individuals who are
strategic, being an achiever follows closely behind.
Achievers are individuals who are especially talented in having a great deal of stamina
and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive (Strengths Finder,
2015). In the book called One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
(1963), a man named Ivan was nothing but a great achiever in everyones eyes. Doing all he
could in order to survive, he worked harder than anyone in the assigned camp and was more than
determined. This quality came of importance when it was time to work throughout nights on end.
I am also someone who understands what it means to work hard, having worked nights up at Mt.
Hood for the past seven years, trying to find balance between that and still maintain my honors
student rank.
According to Dr. Neiworth (2015), having qualities of achievers and strategists are great
strengths to match with public health leadership skills. Being strategic, you have the ability to

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deal with threats, perform strategic thinking, and have the power to express your vision and
inspire others. As an achiever, you are more than capable of having immense amounts of energy,
credibility, and lifelong learning desires. Combining these skills results in a great public health
leader, something that expresses me in many great ways.
The Strengths Finder assessment did more than show me what my top five strengths are.
It allowed me to realize the qualities I possessed and gives me the opportunity to put those
strengths to great use as a public health leader and individual.

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References
Rath, T., & Buckingham, M. (2007). StrengthsFinder 2.0 (New & upgraded ed.). New York:
Gallup Press.
Yn, A., & Parker, R. (1963). One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich. New York: Dutton &.
Neiworth, L, L. (2015). Leadership, Strength, and Equity.