Stories and Testimonies from South Africans
How did StrengthsFinder, and the coaching afterwards, help you?
I have been exposed to Gallup's Clifton Strengthsfinder since 2005. I had the opportunity to ponder about, pay attention to and develop my signature themes for more than two years before I went for my first coaching session. I did not expect to learn much since the Strengthsfinder was not something new to me. Needless to say, I was surprised by the outcome and learned that official coaching is very important in order to maintain momentum.
My coach has helped me to understand my themes in depth, cleared out some pitfalls and energized me to keep focussed. Look forward to our next session - thank you coach!
:: Dawie Brink, Graphic Designer - Nice Graphic Studios
“The Strength Coaching by Africanmosaic has assisted me to confirm certain aspects of the Strengths Test, and to place the guidelines of themes into the perspective of my life. I can strongly recommend this coaching to people on an individual level, and if possible also on the team level in which people are working.
The strength based outlook on life has deeply challenged me to break with unsuitable routines, inspired me to actively persue my areas of passion,aided me to network with people in my teams of complimentary strengths, and helped me practically to get those things which are not for me accomplished so fast that I have the capacity to focus on what is really important to me.
I can see that the strengths-based philosophy can be quite a powerful tool when the available material from the books is combined with personal coaching on an individual level.”
:: Rudolf Kabutz; Trans World Radio - South Africa
"My first concern with the concept of StrengthsFinder was that this will once again, put people in a box, label them and you need to live with the label. I hate boxes and labels!
I was at the stage where I was struggling with myself, God and my calling for fulltime ministry, when I got the invitation to discover my talents and work with my strengths, I thought to myself, 'lets give this a try and see what the outcome will be and what I learn about myself'.
At work, it was a very difficult time, with a lot of uncertainties because of retrenchments, changes in departments, managers and job descriptions. I was convinced that this was a time to be tested and to improve my patience and wait for the Will of God to become a reality in my life! Not knowing the emotional turmoil this will bring about, I volunteered to be a 'Joker' – fit me in where I am needed!
After my coaching session with Magriet Fick, I had a 'wow' experience! The emotional roller coaster that I was on the past 6 – 8 weeks was explained by the managing of my Talents report and I discovered - this is just me, nothing wrong with me, I am not losing it – I am just being me!
This was a great treasure to discover, and as Learner is my number one strength, I will be exploring the book and other resources to understand and develop my strengths.
What is great about StrengthsFinder, is the fact that this is a tool that challenges me to know, understand and to manage myself for who I am, not for what is expected from me. It challenges me to develop my strengths and talents and how to deal with the downside of my strengths and talents.
This is great and powerful stuff!"
:: Christelle Malan
Doing the Strengths test really explained a lot of who I am and why I do things, to me and also I believe to my colleagues. It made me understand myself better about why I feel the way I do and act the way I do. And to realise that it's all normal and designed by God. I have a clearer action plan now - knowing where to focus my attention so that I can improve certain areas where I have identified frustration and where I can see that it can be used to help others.
:: Kyla Brits, Media Liason - Walk Thru the Bible
Up until a day before I got this book and did the StenghtsFinder test, my life has been a complete blur. It was just one big mess! For quite some time I felt that God has given up on me, for various reasons. At church I felt out of place, in my work group I felt like a miss fit, even with my family I felt like I don't belong, my group of friends just disappeared from my life. I was confused all the time cause I did not know myself or my strengths and I was always focusing on my weaknesses, trying to fix them.
Now that I have done the Clifton SF Test, I feel alive again! I feel like God is smiling upon me; reminding me that He sees my hurt and He is still here. Not only do I feel alive, but I positively feel motivated to do things Challengingly and on Purpose. Now I know that no matter where I find myself, I can fit in or even stand out and feel okay about it, because I know who I am now and I'm comfortable with with how far I've come in my life's journey.
When I started reading this book 'Living your Strengths' I couldn't believe my reaction. It's exactly as the authors said: 'It is as if our spirits react to this discovery with a resounding "Yes! This is the way it is suppose to be - this is who I was created to be." Something inside me shouted YES!
So, Thank you again may you be blessed and bless others through this ministry.
:: Rioleen Ricahard, Administrative Coordinator - Turn the Tide