Every few months, there are new online evaluation tests, and a continuous flow of new personality assessments that everyone is crazy about. UNTIL the next shiny object comes along. But, as far as I can see, these are focused on YOU. Every one claims to be the Superman of assessments. But I am sticking with one that has been life-changing for me and for my clients.
So, why has Leading From Your Strengths (LFYS) been my favorite for 10 years or more? There are many reasons, but my two biggest and best reasons are that it is Biblically based, and it is centered on appreciating our differences, rather than being in competition with each other. It is purposefully other-centered, created for Kingdom-building, focusing on how we fit TOGETHER like puzzle pieces.
These key scriptures “explain God’s plan for our uniqueness. We hope you can read them, study them, and discover for yourself God’s design for differences… I Corinthians 12, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:11-13, I Peter 4:10, Ephesians 2:10.”
Rather than telling someone else’s story about how Leading From Your Strengths helped them to a better, more fulfilling life, I thought I could go deeper with my own story. In order for you to understand the bigger picture I want you to know what is possible, so I’m going to make myself vulnerable. So, here we go…
I need details. I have questions before I commit to anything. I seldom make snap decisions. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get frustrated with myself because I am not like someone else. Some days, I want to be more dynamic, or more laid back, or more pioneering, for instance.
Like the time my friend asked me to volunteer to help her with a Silent Auction. First of all, I had never been to a silent auction. (Don’t laugh. It’s true!) So, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. As the day grew closer, I began to panic. I needed more information to get to a comfort level that would actually make me helpful rather than an irritation.
My friend knew I would love it once I got there, but since she was well-schooled in LFYS, she knew what was causing me to panic. I needed details. So, she patiently explained the whole process and exactly what would be expected of me. She also knew on the ride there, I would have some fresh concerns that needed clarifying. She was patient, calm, and kind. Not having to DEFEND my panic, gave me a comfort level and made the whole process pretty seamless. Because she had eliminated the “new experience anxiety”, I felt equipped to be able to get my eyes off myself and onto the job at hand.
All because my friend accepted me for who I am and provided what I needed in that circumstance. But then, she understood the strengths differences.
- Are you wondering why knowing more facts about what was expected actually changed my whole attitude about serving at the event?
- Are you thinking: Why couldn’t I just act like my friend and just go with the flow? I’ve tried that before and that is NOT a pretty picture, believe me! It never works well when we try to be something we are not.
The answer is because God actually created us to be different. On purpose. By God’s design wisdom.
But the knowledge we had because of LFYS made it possible for each of us to understand the other and to work as a team. My friend and I both were needed at that event. After I felt a greater comfort level and understood how it all worked, my spiritual gift of encouragement kicked in, and I was outgoing, fearlessly asking people to make a bid at our table at the auction. I was able to be other-centered and my friend was able to relax and be herself. Because I had been prepared with knowing what was expected of me, I was able to be left alone in the booth (my personality type is dependable, and not easily distracted from the task at hand). And she was able to meander around the event, meeting needs and greeting people, rather than constantly having to calm down an ill-prepared BEAVER personality. Wouldn’t you like to be able to do that as well as my friend did?
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What if ALL of us understood that we are to help others be all they can be in Christ, by allowing them to be who they are. (We aren’t talking about self-centered sinful behavior here.) We are talking about God-given personality types. God created each person with the exact strength He wanted them to have, in order to accomplish His purposes until He comes again.
I have an amazing offer for you. For only $49, you can take the assessment AND schedule a one-on-one phone consultation with a certified LFYS Coach. ME! Valuable information is gleaned from a quick multiple choice assessment you take online. We then schedule a phone consultation, to evaluate how to incorporate the information into your life.
Leave a comment in the comment box below, with your email address, so we can compare calendars to set up a *Free* call to answer any questions. We can then arrange for your LFYS personality assessment and consultation. Don’t delay! I’m not sure how long I can make this very special offer available.
Until next time,
God bless you bunches!
Awaiting His shout,
Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com
An encourager can help you find your voice.
