Positive Attributes Paper

My Positive Attributes Paper

            Upon asking family and friends about what they think my perspective strengths, abilities and skills are and their insights into them, I can now formulate a distinctive set of my strengths, abilities and skills. This set will lead me to the understanding and recognition of my ultimate “hedgehog,” or what I am the best in the world at. There were a few strengths and stories that came up multiple times to lead to me formulate a sense of my true being and the areas in life I excel in or that stand out most often. They are: my public speaking abilities or communication skills, my personality, and my drive for success or determination. In each of these three there are numerous variables that contribute to the understanding of my strengths, abilities and skills. Because of this there is more than one side or layer to each aspect of the given set.   

            In regards to my public speaking abilities and communication skills, it is something that people seem to notice right off the bat. I was told that my communication skills give me the ability to meet and greet new people and ultimately inspire them. I have the ability to hold an “adult” conversation without having to truly try. My friend recalled a time when I met an Old Ag while waiting in line for the restroom and he happened to be one of the executives for Balfour, who makes our Aggie Rings. I was so intrigued with his occupation and the fact I was about to get my Aggie Ring, our conversation revolved mainly around his occupation and the business aspects of Balfour. By the end of the conversation I received his business card and a great deal of insight into one of our Universities oldest traditions. This was a great example to show my ability to communicate with others on a more mature, business level.

            While growing up my parents raised me to engage my brain before I engage my mouth because it is ultimately about knowing what to say before you say it. I believe I am excellent at doing this in most situations. It is also those who listen well who get the most out of any conversation. They say that the best conversation that one will ever have is one when they are asking all the questions. It is then that they will ultimately learn the most and something more might come from the conversation (i.e. network building).

            When referring to my communication skills I am someone who does not have a problem with speaking my mind when need be. One person stated, “Shelby is able to express her opinions without feeling insecure about what she has to say, even if it sounds dumb.” She also recalled the first time she had me in class and remembered thinking, “dang that girl speaks her mind.” It is something that is ingrained in me and allows me to be openly honest and upfront with those I am around but it can be one of my largest downfalls as well. I try to be open like a book because without honesty there cannot be friendships or relationships.

            Public speaking was a reoccurring strength that was noted with many of my family and friends. A friend stated that she admired how great of a job I always do because of my enthusiasm and execution of a presentation no matter the topic. She also stated that I am always prepared to speak by knowing the material very well and being able to handle rebuttals with ease because of my preparedness. This quality I have worked on all my life and is something that I am always trying to improve upon. I believe it is one of my most important strengths and abilities that I am able to bring to the table.

            In respects to my personality, many people referred to me as being lively, enthusiastic, confident and also assertive. I try to bring something fresh and new to the table when working with a team, whether it is lightening the mood with a joke or simply being understanding of others. By trying to be positive despite the pressures in our lives I can help our team move along with our projects or make a bad situation turn into a learning experience.

            My personality can be intimidating to some because I am very strong-willed like my father, thus, leading me to be a bit assertive. I have an aggressive approach to a lot of tasks. Those who know me well say that it is something I have indeed obtained from my father because he is a businessman who likes things done his way or the “right” way. I am simply a product of my creation and inherited some personality traits that can be perceived either positively or negatively, given the extent to which someone knows or understands me. I was told that some people might think I am being cocky when I am simply being assertive. This is true because I am very confident and do not like to be looked down upon. This attribute flows over into my third strength, ability or skill, which is my drive for success.

            A friend noted in one of my responses something that pretty much sums everything up. She said, “Shelby adds value by being very driven. I honestly don't believe that a lot of people have this characteristic but Shelby is fortunate to have it. When I was put one a team with Shelby, there was an instant work ethic, ‘we need to do this, and we need to do that.’ She kept us on task in order to get everything finished throughout the duration of our meetings. There was no waiting or fooling around. Being driven is definitely an important asset in life, and it allows Shelby to bring hope and order for type B people who need a little pushing around every once in a while.” Clear as day, she shows what most people do see or experience being around me. I am a person who is persistent and motivated through success.

            It is in my nature to be a natural born leader and I am determined. I do what needs to be done when it needs to be done and I hold everyone I work with to these expectations. Someone noted that, “when doing class projects I always want to take the lead to ensure that the project gets done in the best manner possible.” With my determination I am someone who does not throw the towel in easy whatsoever. I work hard, no excuses. A team member noted that I was going through a rough time with a sick family member and it was putting a lot of stress on me but I did not let it hinder my work because I knew how important the project was to our team. I do this because ultimately it is not just about me but also about all of us. I was driven to be a team player regardless of my life stresses. It is a fact of life and everyone has to deal with them in their own way and I deal with them by working hard and succeeding with the task at hand. I would not be where I am today without this very important aspect.  

            With all of these personal attributes combined it is safe to say that I am someone who will do well in or with anything that involves public speaking and interacting with others because of my drive and motivation for success. All three of these work together so well but one sticks out more than any of the others. I believe my “hedgehog” is my speaking ability because it empowers me, motivates me and more importantly shows my personality in different situations. Since two of my main strengths from Strengths Quest, communication and woo, are associated to my speaking ability it brings extra emphasis to this skill of mine. My friends and family would also clearly agree to this conclusion and it would be an understatement to say that I see a very bright future using my speaking ability.

            This “hedgehog” will help me in my future and current endeavors such as law school and Page Parkes Acting and Modeling School that I was recently accepted into. Either way it is a win win situation that I am sure to excel at if I put my mind to it. Speaking is something that I do everyday. I would not be the same person without this gift that I have been given and it is my job to use it to the fullest extent in the best way possible.