Recently I was put on a big project at work to help build the "nursing role" within my company. Since nurses working for insurance companies is a fairly "new" idea. I chuckled a bit when I was invited to participate on this committee...for this is my 3rd "RN Retention Committee" I've been asked to serve on in my short 6 1/2 years in this field.
After serving on the committee, I got a phone call from a "Leadership Consultant" in my company (one of the perks of working for a big company....so many resources!!) -- who said she wanted to be my mentor. I was ecstatic about this. As every time I listen to her speak or lead a meeting, I always thought to myself "Wow, I want to be like her when I grow up." She is an incredible leader and communicator.
She has given me several tasks to do, books to read, videos to watch on my own time, to grow me as a leader.
But the most interesting task I was given was to take this "5 Strengths" Test through Gallup. It's a $15 test online that will outline your strongest qualities. And when I finished the test, I was directed to call her back and talk about those strengths.
Not that I am compensated by any means by Gallup - but if you'd like to learn about what type of lead (and really, person) you are - I strongly recommend this!
The test took me about 45 min-1 hr, and is pretty darn accurate.
My Top 5 Strengths:
1. Individiualization
This was definitely summed up by her 1st question to me after reading my results. "Is there anyone you hate?" My answer is no. I am extremely quick to forgive. I look at every individual, and can see someone good about them, and therefore get along with just about anyone.
Are there people who behave in ways I don't like? Of course. I'm not Mother Teresa in any way. But I feel like I can "name" the issue, and move on quite easily. In fact, I kind of enjoy connecting with people are are incredibly different than me -- because it makes me realize that we can all get along and love another if we try!
2. Achiever
This strength isn't so much on being an "achiever" as it is getting great joy of "doing". People strong in this area, are often the one's who don't like the sit down. We can sometimes irritate our family members, because we overbook our calendars and overcommit. We love "to do lists". The 1st question from my mentor was "Abby, How many *to do lists* do you have going?" I started laughing. I have them everywhere in our house. And sometimes I'll even write things down that weren't originally on my to-do list JUST to cross them off.
And I am currently in an "over-committed dilemma". So this trait definitely fits me.
3. Strategic
This trait was described as the type of people who get from Point A to Point F in the most direct unique manner. And if other people don't see your method, we often get annoyed.
I never really think of myself as "strategic". I'm horrible at "strategy games". (Especially when I play with my husband who is an engineer. )
However, when explained in that way - I do come up with some clever ways of doing things and figuring things out. I wouldn't say I "cut corners" - but I use "strategy" to get what I need.
4. Learner
I'm kind of surprised this wasn't higher up on my list. The learner is always wanting to learn and try new things. This is absolutely me. This doesn't mean I'm super intelligent or an expert at learning
We read hundreds of different articles about different things. We probably aren't an expert in any one thing. But we have our hand in every pot we possible can get our hand in.
This can be a weakness. And it is for me! I want to be everything. Just look at my job history: Health Insurance Case Manager, Cross Country Coach (part time), Pulmonary Research Nurse, Hospital Case Manager, ER Nurse, Travel Nurse, Fitness Intstructor (part time), Telemetry RN, House Supervisor, Charge Nurse, Bank Teller, CNA, Waitress, Hotel Housekeeper.....
Sometimes for fun I just research random nursing jobs. Ex: The other day I looked up what it takes to be come an Esthetician. And how I could start a business as one. What in the what?!
And then 20 minutes later I'm researching how to build yourself as a Private Youth Athletic Coach. I am all over the place. My husband is a patient man.
5. Communication
This one is kind of obvious. It relates to being able to express yourself without difficulty. Anyone who has spent time with me knows I'm not one to "hold things in". "Communicators" take great care in conversations, and we put a lot of thought into making our conversations come out positively.
My apology for the novel. This was just kind of fun. In fact, when I saw Ryan 3 weeks ago in NY, I told him about this test. and he has taken a variety of these types of tests in his job - so it was fun to share and talk about our results. Doing so really "clicked" as to why we work well together!
Have you had to take a leadership-type test? What were your top strengths??
After serving on the committee, I got a phone call from a "Leadership Consultant" in my company (one of the perks of working for a big company....so many resources!!) -- who said she wanted to be my mentor. I was ecstatic about this. As every time I listen to her speak or lead a meeting, I always thought to myself "Wow, I want to be like her when I grow up." She is an incredible leader and communicator.
She has given me several tasks to do, books to read, videos to watch on my own time, to grow me as a leader.
But the most interesting task I was given was to take this "5 Strengths" Test through Gallup. It's a $15 test online that will outline your strongest qualities. And when I finished the test, I was directed to call her back and talk about those strengths.
Not that I am compensated by any means by Gallup - but if you'd like to learn about what type of lead (and really, person) you are - I strongly recommend this!
The test took me about 45 min-1 hr, and is pretty darn accurate.
My Top 5 Strengths:
1. Individiualization
This was definitely summed up by her 1st question to me after reading my results. "Is there anyone you hate?" My answer is no. I am extremely quick to forgive. I look at every individual, and can see someone good about them, and therefore get along with just about anyone.
Are there people who behave in ways I don't like? Of course. I'm not Mother Teresa in any way. But I feel like I can "name" the issue, and move on quite easily. In fact, I kind of enjoy connecting with people are are incredibly different than me -- because it makes me realize that we can all get along and love another if we try!
2. Achiever
This strength isn't so much on being an "achiever" as it is getting great joy of "doing". People strong in this area, are often the one's who don't like the sit down. We can sometimes irritate our family members, because we overbook our calendars and overcommit. We love "to do lists". The 1st question from my mentor was "Abby, How many *to do lists* do you have going?" I started laughing. I have them everywhere in our house. And sometimes I'll even write things down that weren't originally on my to-do list JUST to cross them off.
And I am currently in an "over-committed dilemma". So this trait definitely fits me.
3. Strategic
This trait was described as the type of people who get from Point A to Point F in the most direct unique manner. And if other people don't see your method, we often get annoyed.
I never really think of myself as "strategic". I'm horrible at "strategy games". (Especially when I play with my husband who is an engineer. )
However, when explained in that way - I do come up with some clever ways of doing things and figuring things out. I wouldn't say I "cut corners" - but I use "strategy" to get what I need.
4. Learner
I'm kind of surprised this wasn't higher up on my list. The learner is always wanting to learn and try new things. This is absolutely me. This doesn't mean I'm super intelligent or an expert at learning
We read hundreds of different articles about different things. We probably aren't an expert in any one thing. But we have our hand in every pot we possible can get our hand in.
This can be a weakness. And it is for me! I want to be everything. Just look at my job history: Health Insurance Case Manager, Cross Country Coach (part time), Pulmonary Research Nurse, Hospital Case Manager, ER Nurse, Travel Nurse, Fitness Intstructor (part time), Telemetry RN, House Supervisor, Charge Nurse, Bank Teller, CNA, Waitress, Hotel Housekeeper.....
Sometimes for fun I just research random nursing jobs. Ex: The other day I looked up what it takes to be come an Esthetician. And how I could start a business as one. What in the what?!
And then 20 minutes later I'm researching how to build yourself as a Private Youth Athletic Coach. I am all over the place. My husband is a patient man.
5. Communication
This one is kind of obvious. It relates to being able to express yourself without difficulty. Anyone who has spent time with me knows I'm not one to "hold things in". "Communicators" take great care in conversations, and we put a lot of thought into making our conversations come out positively.
My apology for the novel. This was just kind of fun. In fact, when I saw Ryan 3 weeks ago in NY, I told him about this test. and he has taken a variety of these types of tests in his job - so it was fun to share and talk about our results. Doing so really "clicked" as to why we work well together!
Have you had to take a leadership-type test? What were your top strengths??
Comments
That's so cool that woman called you directly and asked to be your mentor. Your job sounds awesome!