History of Strengths
As an Educational Psychologist in the 1950’s at the University of Nebraska, Don Clifton recognized that there were distinct differences in the satisfaction of students counseled by certain counselors. They were similar in certain thoughts, behaviors, and actions.
Clifton assembled a team of researchers to devise a selection model that was highly predictive of success. In 1988 he acquired Gallup Corporation.
Clifton led researchers to study top performers, make discoveries, and develop practical applications on many strengths-related topics, including strengths development, employee selection, employee engagement, management, and leadership.
Strengths At Sarasota University
Sarasota University programs build on the science of Strengths-based Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Invitational Theory.
This special approach to graduate education emphasizes the development of personal strengths for personal and professional growth in educational and business settings. It also fuels the development of a mind-set that seeks and develops the strengths and talents of others, and the development of an understanding of the power of inviting others into the world of learning.
Strengths Psychology is Based on 2 Assumptions
- Each person’s talents are enduring and unique
- Each person’s greatest room for growth is in the areas of his or her greatest strength
This emphasis on strengths instead of weaknesses will make a difference in the personal and professional lives of our students.
Strengths-Based Education
An effective strengths-based education and effective practices that drive strengths awareness, develop an understanding of the power of strengths, and then utilize pragmatic strategies, activities, and behaviors that leverage strengths towards learning opportunities and tasks bridge the commitment gap and engagement.
What is the value of strategically implementing strengths within the university?
- Leadership
- Individuals
- Two people or Power of Two
- Teams
- Organizations
- Clients/Students
Strengths-Based Educators Believe
- Every student has talent
- Every student has the capacity for behaving in a way that allows optimal functioning in the organization
- Professor, Program Director, and Administrator recognize and assume part of the responsibility for maximizing the potential of their students through a strengths based approach to performance