MPA Program at CCNY
In the latest workshop in the MPA Fall Seminar Series, students uncovered and identified their strengths and explored new ways to draw on those strengths as they develop their authentic leadership styles.
The workshop helped students become more comfortable talking about the things they do uniquely well, such as building relationships, learning new concepts, listening to diverse perspectives, strategizing, thinking creatively, coaching or influencing others, maintaining discipline and accountability, or striving for greater achievement.
To prepare for the workshop, students were provided with a unique access code to take Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment, an online survey that yields a personalized strengths report. Students came to the workshop having read their reports, ready to take a deep dive with facilitator Connor Moriarty, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.
Students brainstormed leaders they admire. Some spoke of famous leaders such as Nelson Mandela or Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Others mentioned authors such as Audre Lord, WEB Dubois, and James Baldwin. Others highlighted community organizers, public school teachers, or their own grandmother, mother, or brother.
Great leaders are humble enough to sacrifice for a cause, but they are also courageous, resilient, and strong; they influence others with their example and empower others with deep compassion; they are simultaneously patient and impatient; and they wield audacious ideas unapologetically, the students reflected.
In pairs and small groups, the students delved into their own strengths from the Clifton report and explored the manifestations of those strengths in their personal and professional lives.
Understanding their own strengths empowers students to make career decisions that will allow them to use, develop, and leverage those strengths, leading to greater success, impact, and fulfillment in their lives.