Talented Like a Berty

Five little talents, jumpin’ on the bed.

Adaptability
Ideation
Intellection
Empathy
Input

I was pleasantly surprised by the results of my Gallup’s StrengthsFinder test. While I doubted I was talented enough for a survey to detect, I hoped I would have talents along intellectual and casual lines. So, then I wondered, “if, because I wanted those personality traits, did I somehow rig the system by answering the questions a little on the false side? Or perhaps I wanted those talents because I am those talents.” Well, whatever the case, at least I’m not Responsibility!

Adaptability at the top surprised me because, while I admire the trait, I often stay on schedule and am a little angry when others do not. I guess the trick is I only get a little angry and don’t let it keep me upset or tell others they are bad for not being where they said they would be. People have told me I’m laid back and relaxed, so that certainly was a clue.

Intellection, Empathy, Input. . . all these, I can see in some instances. I have easy one-on-one conversations, because I am empathetic. Sometimes I am so easy to talk to people tell me very personal things I did not expect to know. Or, people struggle finding words to describe there feelings, and I am able to help them. Intellection and Input are almost too academic sounding for who I am. I simply like to read, learn, see, and hear what other people have to say.

Ideation describes me so well, it is frightening. Never did I consider that part of myself as talent. The StrengthsFinder has brought me to appreciate my genuine excitement for ideas. The description of Ideation in Now, Discover Your Strengths claims, “. . . you derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to you. Others may label you as creative or original or conceptual or even smart. Perhaps you are all of these. Who can be sure?” When I read those sentences, I literally jolted with energy at the idea that what I experience is a personality trait recognized and considered a talent in some circles.