- 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 energised 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.” - **Shared Theme Description** - People who are 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. - **Your Personalised Strengths Insights** - __What makes you stand out?__ - Driven by your talents, you frequently examine the factors leading up to an event. Therein you discover the reasons why things happened the way they did. A number of individuals and/or groups probably appreciate your logical thinking style. Because of your strengths, you normally dedicate yourself to acquiring knowledge and gaining skills. You probably devote many hours to mental labour. Chances are good that you yearn to know a lot. It makes little sense to you to skim through a book and read only the highlights. You delve more deeply into intriguing subjects than most people do. You love to gather all kinds of information. This explains why you take time to grasp ideas that appear in print. By nature, you fill your mind with new ideas by asking questions, reading, studying, observing or listening. Normally, you accumulate facts, data, stories, examples or background information from the people you meet. Determining what they want to accomplish in the coming weeks, months or years generally satisfies your curiosity. These insights also allow you to understand why individuals behave they way they do in different situations. It’s very likely that you have a strong need to know that you are taking the proper course of action before you begin. Without a doubt, your hunger for evidence, data or background information is immense. Whether your sources of knowledge are people, classes, books, the Internet or discussions, you are hardwired to be as informed as you possibly can be prior to starting most ventures. You probably prefer to be overly prepared rather than risk being poorly prepared. - **Questions** - 1. As you read your personalised strengths insights, what words, phrases or lines stand out to you? - 2. Out of all the talents in this insight, what would you like for others to see most in you? - **Action Items** - o 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, find this quiet time. - o Develop ways of tracking the progress of your learning. If there are distinct levels or stages of learning within a 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). - o 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 action. Take this responsibility seriously. - o Seek roles that require some form of technical competence. You will enjoy the process of acquiring and maintaining this expertise. - o As far as possible, shift your career toward a field with constantly changing technologies or regulations. You will be energised by the challenge of keeping up. - o 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 quickly. - o Research supports the link between learning and performance. When people have the opportunity to learn and grow, they are more productive and loyal. Look for ways to measure the degree to which you and others feel that your learning needs are being met, to create individualised learning milestones and to reward achievements in learning. - o At work, take advantage of programmes that subsidise your learning. Your organisation may be willing to pay for part or all of your instructional coursework or for certifications. Ask your manager for information about scholarships and other educational opportunities. - o Honour your desire to learn. Take advantage of adult educational opportunities in your community. Discipline yourself to sign up for at least one new academic or adult learning course each year. - o Time disappears and your attention intensifies when you are immersed in studying or learning. Allow yourself to “follow the trail” by scheduling learning sessions during periods of time that will not be interrupted by pressing engagements.