Once you take a strengths assessment, you will be provided with a report detailing your results. Every strengths test gives slightly different reports, but you will need to interpret them accurately to get the most out of your results.
To properly interpret your strengths test results, look at which strengths rank the highest in your strengths hierarchy. Try to notice patterns in the types of strengths you have.
If you have many similar strengths, then you can be even more confident that those particular strengths are commonly used in your life.
Understanding Your Top Strengths
While you have a unique list of strengths that are all important to your career, some strengths stand out. These abilities are called your ‘top strengths.’
It is truly crucial to use these strengths often and in many settings. These strengths are your most developed and refined abilities. You will most likely carry out tasks highly efficiently when using these strengths.
Try thinking of ways you use those strengths in your job already, and do so more often. Then, think of new tasks you could use those strengths in.
This does not mean you need to neglect your lesser strengths or middle strengths. However, you should use the strengths you are most comfortable with, your top strengths, most often. This is especially true in emergency settings or in new environments.
Applying Your Strengths in Real Life
Strengths seem somewhat theoretical. After you get your list of top abilities, it can be tough to see how any of that applies to the real world.
The reality is, though, that strengths are used in your real life every day. You can use your list of top strengths to improve your relationships and workplace performance.
Try finding new opportunities to use your strengths at work. For example, if your strength is leadership, volunteer for more management-type activities at work. Lead projects as well.
Challenge yourself by using your strengths in new environments. If you know someone else has a similar strength to you, ask how they use their strengths or notice it in their daily activities. You can utilize some of their strategies, too.