Character Strengths

Leadership

What is the difference between how effective you have been as a leader and how much you enjoy being a leader? How can you bring them into better agreement?

I enjoy being a leader as it means I can help the people I am leading. I am able to help them through an issue or give guidance. I feel like I am an effective leader as the times I have been a leader people have listened to what I have said and my group has reached the goals we set. 

How do you decide when to lead and when to allow others to lead?

If someone has a stronger idea that I feel is better for the group then I will let them take charge. I would also follow someone else if I realise that the majority of the group is following someone else and its better for the team.

How do you keep the two key tasks of leadership — getting things done and helping people get along — in mind while you are leading?

I like to keep the mood light-hearted so everyone feels happy and has a positive attitude. Once I see that certain things are not getting done or there is too much mucking around then I would get a bit more strict.

Teamwork

What is most gratifying to you about being part of a team?

Being able to help multiple achieve a goal instead of just yourself. Experiencing highs and lows with a group of people is really nice instead of being alone. Forming bonds with a variety of people is really fun to do.

How do you feel and act when you carry more than your fair share of the weight for a team?

I feel really annoyed because people joyride on the success of a group even if they did nothing to contribute, or they would complain about the failure of the group even though they did nothing to alter the outcome. Sometimes I don't mind if I am the best person for the job or if someone has a real excuse.

How does teamwork extend into your personal life; for example, parenting, family, partner, friendship?

Teamwork is about compromising so you are not the boss, so I guess in every relationship this is worthwhile to have. Being able to listen and talk to others is also good skills to have.

Zest

What conditions (people, places, or activities) bring out your zest?

I am generally a zesty person, if you are going to do something half-asked then whats the point of doing it. Life is too short to spend time on things to unimportant.

How does zest lead you, if at all, in directions that you later regret?

I don't regret anything in my life. I choose what I do and where I go very carefully to avoid regret. Even if I can't find myself out of a bad situation I still try to make the best of the situation so I don't regret my actions. 

Zest is well described as a value-added strength, meaning that its moral nature is best revealed when it is combined with other character strengths. Which of your character strengths might combine best with zest?

I feel like zest works well with leadership as I want to lead the group. I go into it with enthusiasm which makes the members of the group look forward to the tasks in front of them and want to complete them. It also makes me not come off as bossy and have a positive attitude in all members.