Federico R Lastra

StrengthsFinder Results
My Top 5 strengths were as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Achiever
Competition
Responsibility
Significance
Individualization

Under the 4 Domains, I have 2 under Executing, 2 Under Influencing, and 1 under
Relationship building, and 0 under strategic thinking (refer to Table 1), at least for the Top 5;
however, there may be more revealed if I ever decide to access the rest for the additional cost
(still thinking it over). The online version on the book provides some excellent link sources to
videos, as well as pdf downloads (posted below) that assist the reader in understanding what
these strengths mean to Rath (2007).
Table 1

The findings were not surprising for the most part, except for Strategic Thinking but
that could be because I simply did not pay to access the additional 34 strengths. However, I work
in groups often, in a reading and learning team as a lead tutor; as a result, I think that Futuristic
and Ideation would appear. However, when reflecting on why these five did appear at the top, I
ask myself: when these traits manifested? Because as Rath (2007) mentions that a longitudinal
study spanning over the period of 23 years found that children as young as three years of age had
strengths that remained constant until age 26. His findings imply that the time span could be
even greater. So this leads me to wonderit is nature or nurture? I am thinking that it can be a
little of both because I can see my parental, academic, and work influence and how it has shaped

who I am; but, my gutt says my drive to do what needs to be done came from my folks and
everyone and every experience has helped nurture those traits to what they have become.

The descriptors in these handouts rang true but what I found more useful was what to
look out of for because some of the strengths could become weaknesses, such as taking on too

much, because sometimes I have been stressed out by doing too much, but it is also the reason
why I like to get things done early, so that I can free myself to do more. Especially, because I
tutor privately and time is money to me, and being responsible by paying my bills on time is
important to me. I also find that at times I have to schedule regular breaks but they often involve
house hold chores like folding laundry or walking the dogs. Moreover, I do schedule get ways
when I can, often cruises because if you do not pay for the wifi, you truly get to disconnect.

Competition, I m a middle child and I always competed with both brothers, had to stand
out so I can see why this is apparent; and, I have been told by many friends in side comments
that why do I always have to turn everything into a competition? I guess I can honestly say in

school it is a great asset but personally and professionally is does not always serve best, so there
is definitely a need to monitor when to leave it behind.

I honestly believe that the only thing one can own in any situation is their own behavior
and this rings true for me, but I think this is what being conscious and in the moment has given

me, but this Responsibility strength has taken years to cultivate. However, what the author fails
to mention is that sometimes my high standards can also lead me to unrealistically expect the
same from others, which, at times, can leave me quite irritated to say the least.

Significance, characterized by independence. This I think is all due to my mother.

Grandma was extremely loving but so controlling and mom refused to raise us to not be
independent, so much so she wanted us to even say no to her. So I have always been independent
and followed no one. I always tried to stand out. I won awards in art as far back as I can
remember, I played saxophone because I thought it sounded sexy, I try to take on things that I
have no clue about, learn; and, when asked to present for work am the first one saying yes. But it
was not always positive, when I was a kid I acted out to be noticed. Now that I am older I know
it is better to stand out for good things. Like helping others achieve their academic goals and
sharing your knowledge so they can grow as well. I do love to be noticed and am quite ambitious
about the future. I do share my dreams and goals and love showing people that as extreme as
they sound I can do it all, if I plan and apply myself enough; however, I also know when
someone knows more than I do and eagerly seek and respect what they have to say so that I can
learn from them.

I think that Individualization was taught at home and then that was what allowed me to
accept others for who they are. This is turn has provided me with opportunities to listen and learn
from everyone around me. It is this willingness to see others and appreciate them that has
allowed me to work well alongside them and realize that the more they know that I do not, the
better off I am. I freely know my shortcomings and like being around people who balance me
out. Even more so, at work, we are a team of 15 tutors and work so often together that it has
taught me to appreciate our differences and what each one brings to the table when projects are
concerned, or even dealing with tutees, although most all come to me for advice since I have
been there the longest.
Moreover, I do believe in strong mentors, however I like Raths (2007) recommendation
to study successful people and find out what made them successful; however, it is just so hard to
want to read after spending all day reading and studying either my own material for school or
someone elses. It can be overwhelming and I would rather nap than open a book most of the
time. But I do study the behaviors of those above me and watch what they do so that I can learn
from them. My dad does read many biographies and autobiographies so maybe I get this from
him. Mom always says the best inheritance she can ever leave me will be the wealth of her
experiences. However, I take this a set further and believe there is a wealth of knowledge in the
experiences of everyone who surrounds me, there is always something to learn from someone
elses triumphs and mistakes.
References
Lea, C. (2015). Gallup strengths finder. Retrieved from http://connieleacreative.com/gallupstrengths-finder/
Rath, T. (2007). Strengths finder 2.0. New York, NY: Gallup Press.