Strengths

Scores | Charts | Descriptions

Learner®

People especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

Score Distribution

Shows scores for this strength across all staff.

Users with Learner strength

Theme Description

You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered ‐ this is the process that entices you. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences ‐ yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean that you seek to become the subject matter expert, or that you are striving for the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the "getting there."

Action Items

• Seek roles that require some form of technical competence. You will enjoy the process of acquiring and maintaining this competence.
• As far as possible, shift your career toward a field with constantly changing technologies or regulations. You will be energized by the challenge of keeping up.
• Because you are not threatened by unfamiliar information, you might excel in a consulting role (either internal or external), in which you are paid to go into new situations and pick up new competencies or languages very quickly.
• Refine how you learn. For example, you might learn best by teaching; if so, seek out opportunities to present to others. You might learn best through quiet reflection; if so, carve out this quiet time.
• Find ways to track the progress of your learning. If there are distinct levels or stages of learning within the discipline or skill, take a moment to celebrate your progression from one level to the next. If no such levels exist, create them for yourself (e.g., reading five books on the subject, or making three presentations on the subject).
• Honor your desire to learn. If you can't fulfill this need at work, take advantage of the adult educational opportunities in your community. Discipline yourself to sign up for at least one new academic or adult learning course each year.
• Be a catalyst for change. Others might be intimidated by new rules, new skills, or new circumstances. Your willingness to soak up this "newness" can calm their fears and spur them to engage. Take this responsibility seriously.

How to Manage a Person Especially Talented in the Learner Theme

• Position this person in roles that require him to stay current in a fast-changing field. He will enjoy the challenge of maintaining his competency.
• Regardless of his role, he will be eager to learn new facts, skills, or knowledge. Explore new ways for him to learn and remain motivated, lest he start hunting for a richer learning environment. For example, if he lacks opportunities to learn on the job, encourage him to take courses that interest him at the local college or association. Remember, he doesn't necessarily need to be promoted; he just needs to be learning. It is the process of learning, not the result, that energizes him.
• Help him track his learning progress by identifying milestones or levels that he has reached. Celebrate these milestones.
• In the same vein, encourage this person to become the "master of trade" or "resident expert" in his field. Arrange for him to take the relevant classes. Be sure to recognize his learning with the appropriate certificates and plaques.
• Have this person work beside a master who will continuously push him to learn more.
• Ask him to conduct internal discussion groups or presentations. There may be no better way to learn than to teach others.
• Help him secure financial support to continue his education.