Benefits of the Dependable Strengths
Articulation (DSA) Process Over
Other Strengths Identification Methods and Instruments.
December, 2003
The Dependable Strengths Articulation (DSA) process is a
peer-assisted, group process for identifying individual strengths.
This interactive method produces many benefits far beyond
those of traditional paper and pencil strengths-identification
instruments. Those benefits include:
Benefits to Individuals…
1. Truly Individualized - through DSA, people are able to
identify their own, truly unique, pattern of strengths. DSA
does not rely on any outside framework or theory to determine
one's Dependable Strengths - people do it for themselves
in their own words from their own experience. There are no
pre-determined "boxes" or labels into which they
must fit. This produces truly unique results for each person;
identification of their own special strengths, talents and
abilities. This is in keeping with the foundational philosophy
of DSA that "everyone has their own unique form of excellence".
Like snowflakes, no one is exactly like anyone else. As Bernard
Haldane, founder of DSA said, "Because you are unique,
there is something you are better at than anybody else".
All other known strength identification methods/instruments
are based on answering questions through which the person
is assigned pre-determined categories or descriptors. The
person must fit into a framework determined by the author
of the instrument. Because of these limited options, no one
is truly unique. Many people end up in the same "box
or boxes", which indicates they have the same strengths
as perhaps hundred or thousands of other people.
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2. Increased Self-Esteem -
research at the University of Washington, has shown DSA
enhances self-esteem. Awareness
of one's unique strengths and "proof" of those
from one's own past actions creates an appropriate pride
in one's self, a sense of importance in the world; a valuing
of one's self. People who value themselves lead more satisfied
lives and contribute more to the world. Traditional strength-identification
instruments provide information but are not intended nor
create such a personal transformation.
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3. Renewed Energy - people who go through DSA become energized
and enthusiastic. This energy surfaces within individuals
and well as groups. It enables people to "come alive".
With standard instruments, people may have an interest in
the results and be quite intrigued with it, but little or
no sustained excitement, energy and enthusiasm is generated.
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4. Increased Motivation - DSA participants are moved to
act with this new energy and new knowledge of themselves.
People make changes - sometimes in small ways, sometimes
dramatically, and now and then in miraculous ways. And these
changes are inevitably toward the "good" - making
their lives or the world around them better and more positive.
Participants move toward becoming their "best self".
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5. Increased Sense
of Direction - DSA participants report
gaining a clearer sense of direction and purpose in their
lives. They become more self-directed and gain "internal
locus of control", as shown in studies at the University
of Washington. They come to feel they "know where they
are going".
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6.
Increased Employability - DSA participants
identify the core value (their Dependable Strengths)
they bring to an
employer and become comfortable in expressing that value.
They have the information and confidence to be successful
in a job interview. Plus they open up a wider range of employment
options for themselves - realizing their strengths can be
applied in many work settings.
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7.
A Foundation for Reflection - DSA provides
a foundation for reflection about the course of one's
life. Participants
tap into an internal "guide" which they can rely
on to help make decisions and determine their future. In
its simplest form, they ask themselves the question, "Am
I following my Dependable Strengths?"
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Benefits To Groups…
8. Increased Connectedness - people within DSA groups become
bonded with each other. They form deep connections quickly.
DSA reduces isolationism and separatism. A new level of togetherness
is formed.
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9. Enhanced Mutual
Respect and Appreciation - participants
come to a deeper respect for each other because of their
individual strengths. They come to appreciate each other's
differences. The term, "appreciation of diversity",
becomes a reality for participants in the DSA process.
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10. Creates a Force
for Action - DSA groups become energized
to achieve goals. They gain confidence in their ability to
handle tasks and projects by experiencing the power of pooling
individual strengths toward a common goal. They also become
very realistic about how to achieve their goals - realizing
the strengths needed to perform tasks involved.
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Benefits to Organizations…
11. Increased Morale - organizations who use DSA enable
members to see themselves and each other in terms of strengths
- each as valuable and necessary. This produces an atmosphere
focused on the "positive". It creates increased
cooperation, collaboration and "community", which
contributes to increased morale.
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12. Increased Productivity - when organizations recognize
the true strengths of each member through the DSA process,
tasks can be rearranged to match individual strengths, committees
and work groups formed based on those strengths, and members
enabled to do more of what they do well and enjoy. As a result,
productivity goes up.
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Other Benefits…
13.
Cost Effective… DSA workshops
can be conducted by copying a few worksheets for each participant.
No special
booklets need be purchased, no dependency upon a supplier
or wait time for published materials. DSA workshops can be
run anytime, anywhere with very little expense. They are
very flexible and portable.
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