Using StrengthsFinder to Elevate Your Students and Your Program. Joe Morris and Devon Wright Missouri State University NODAC 2015

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1 Using StrengthsFinder to Elevate Your Students and Your Program Joe Morris and Devon Wright Missouri State University NODAC 2015

2 About Us Devon Wright Second Year Grad Student, M.S. SAHE Colorado, Texas, Missouri Joe Morris Director of New Student & Family Programs, Missouri State University 10 years in OTR field 2015 NODA Annual Conference 2

3 Overview Learning outcomes Clifton StrengthsFinder background & overview How StrengthsFinder is used for team and individual student development Suggestions for implementing StrengthsFinder Areas for future growth 2015 NODA Annual Conference 3

4 Learning Outcomes Recognize and explain the uses and basic concepts of Clifton StrengthsFinder Build strategies to employ StrengthsFinder for individual student reflection Apply strengths in team formation and management Incorporate strengths into training and staff development programs 2015 NODA Annual Conference 4

5 A Background CLIFTON STRENGTHS FINDER 2015 NODA Annual Conference 5

6 StrengthsFinder: What Is It? Science of strengths and positive psychology For decades, the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment has helped people excel. More than 12 million people have taken StrengthsFinder (GSC, 2015) Do what you do best, every day People who do focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and are more than three times as likely to say they have an excellent quality of life. (GSC, 2015) 2015 NODA Annual Conference 6

7 Our Strengths Devon Strategic Developer Belief Relator Achiever Joe Ideation Empathy Developer Adaptability Input Four Domains of Strengths Relationship Building Executing Influencing Strategic Thinking 2015 NODA Annual Conference 7

8 Clifton StrengthsFinder Benefits Help team members better understand their teammates and their own assets and limitations Help team members be more intentional and purposeful in utilizing and developing their strengths Pair individuals that will work effectively with each other with minimal friction or personality clashes Increase program efficiency by placing individuals in positions that best utilize their talents (Gallup) 2015 NODA Annual Conference 8

9 It is a Best Practice The knowledge and understanding provided by StrengthsFinder allows us to improve our teamwork and better our program. Over 600 campuses use Gallup Strengths Students and staff that use their strengths are found to be more engaged and involved on their campus (Gallup) StrengthsFinder vs. other personality assessment 2015 NODA Annual Conference 9

10 It is a Best Practice Focuses on the WHY, not the HOW Our WHY is two-fold Macro level: Team dynamics Micro level: Individual student development 2015 NODA Annual Conference 10

11 Macro Level: Team Dynamics Knowledge of strengths can provide team members with a language for discussing roles and relationships Positive psychology StrengthsFinder shifts the attention from deficits to talents, which improves confidence Students thrive Program thrives 2015 NODA Annual Conference 11

12 Micro level: Individual Student Development Baxter Magolda s Self-Authorship Theory (Evans et al., 1998) Theory of self-authorship focuses on a student s epistemological development. Answers Three questions: How do I know?, Who am I? and How do I make relationships? Process of moving towards self-authorship and through phases Following Formulas, Crossroads and Author of One s Own Life StrengthsFinder can help with these transitions and understandings 2015 NODA Annual Conference 12

13 Making it work IMPLEMENTATION 2015 NODA Annual Conference 13

14 Missouri State University Public, four year institution UG Pop: 19,400 FY Pop: 3,178 StrengthsFinder not used campus-wide 45+ OLs 2015 NODA Annual Conference 14

15 New Student and Family Programs Oversees transition programs Student Orientation, Advisement & Registration (SOAR) Ursa Experience (extended orientation camp) Parent & Family Programs 2 Professional Staff & 1 GA 4 undergraduate orientation coordinators 45 undergraduate orientation leaders 2015 NODA Annual Conference 15

16 IDS 280: Student & Life Leadership 1 credit training course for orientation leaders StrengthsFinder codes purchased online ($9.99 each) Reflection Paper Periodic review and application 2015 NODA Annual Conference 16

17 Building Partnerships Program set up Student s individual strengths are considered when pairing them and placing them in advising groups Some examples 2015 NODA Annual Conference 17

18 Group 17: STEM Majors Kimmy Belief Adaptability Arranger Developer Connectedness Ricky Restorative Harmony Futuristic Input Learner Four Domains of Strengths Relationship Building Executing Influencing Strategic Thinking 2015 NODA Annual Conference 18

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20 Group 20: Pre-Health Reina Woo Positivity Communication Strategic Adaptability Greg Restorative Futuristic Arranger Achiever Focus Four Domains of Strengths Relationship Building Executing Influencing Strategic Thinking 2015 NODA Annual Conference 20

21 Results Program Assessment 99% of incoming students said they thought their SOAR Leaders were welcoming AND knowledgeable! StrengthsFinder Assessment 87% of leaders know Top 5 Strengths 96% understand how to use their Strengths 34.8% discussed their Clifton Strengths with partner 93% discussed Strengths in general 2015 NODA Annual Conference 21

22 AREAS FOR FUTURE GROWTH 2015 NODA Annual Conference 22

23 Areas for Future Growth More one-on-one guidance with orientation leaders Intentional and formal discussions of strengths in early partner meetings Conceptualizing strengths development as a process, not a single event 2015 NODA Annual Conference 23

24 References Evans, N., Forney, D., Guido, F., Patton, L., & Renn, K. (1998). Development of Self-Authorship. In Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Gallup Strengths Center. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, Gallup. (n.d.). Creating Engaging Learning Environments: Focus on Strengths. Retrieved October 12, Rath, T. (2007). Strengths finder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press NODA Annual Conference 24

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