My TrueNorth Traits

I've learned that understanding my own natural talents is the key to personal and professional growth. I agree with The Gallup Organization's research: effective people know their strengths and use them to their advantage. The StrengthsFinder assessment has given me a deeper awareness of the core reasons behind my successes, moving beyond just my skills to understand my innate behaviors. The results revealed my five most dominant traits of talent, which I consider to be the foundation of how I approach my life and work. My top five strengths are: 

Positivity

I bring a contagious sense of optimism to everything I do. I naturally look for the good in situations and in people, and I’m generous with encouragement and praise. Colleagues often describe me as lighthearted and uplifting, someone who brings energy and enthusiasm to the workplace. I approach challenges with a can-do spirit and celebrate achievements, large and small, with genuine joy. Even in high-pressure environments, I strive to keep things upbeat and engaging. I believe that work can be both productive and fun, and I do my best to bring that balance to the teams I’m part of. My positivity is not surface level ~ it’s rooted in a deep conviction that there’s always something to be grateful for and something to look forward to.

Connectedness

I believe that everything happens for a reason and that we are all part of a larger whole. This belief guides how I view the world and interact with others. I see people as inherently connected, across backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, and that shared humanity inspires me to act with care, respect, and responsibility. I’m deeply grounded in a sense of purpose that goes beyond the day-to-day. Whether I’m building bridges across teams or comforting a colleague going through a difficult time, I’m always aware of how our actions affect one another. My values are shaped by this understanding, and they inform the compassion and empathy I bring into every relationship and decision.

Responsibility

When I commit to something, I take full ownership. I see my word as a promise, and I hold myself accountable to follow through, no matter the size of the task. My sense of responsibility is deeply ingrained; I take pride in being dependable and in upholding high standards of integrity and follow-through. If I ever fall short, I don’t just offer an apology ~ I look for real ways to make it right. People know they can count on me, and as a result, I’m often entrusted with key responsibilities. I’ve learned to be mindful of how much I take on, but my strong work ethic and desire to do things right continue to be a driving force behind my reputation as someone who delivers, consistently and with excellence.

Includer

I strive to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe everyone deserves a seat at the table, and I go out of my way to create space for others, especially those who might otherwise feel excluded. I’m naturally drawn to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute.  I welcome people of all backgrounds and perspectives, not just out of principle, but because I genuinely believe we are more alike than we are different. I build community by fostering a sense of belonging and making sure no one feels left on the outside looking in. For me, inclusion is more than a value, it’s a daily practice and a personal standard.

Empathy

I have a deep, intuitive ability to sense what others are feeling, even when they don’t say it out loud. I can put myself in someone else’s shoes and understand their perspective, even if it’s different from my own. I don’t just listen ~ I truly hear what’s beneath the surface. This allows me to offer support in meaningful ways and to communicate with sensitivity and care. I often help others articulate their emotions and navigate difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. My empathetic nature is one of the reasons people feel comfortable opening up to me, and I consider it a privilege to be someone they trust.

Christie Polk

SURVEY COMPLETION DATE: 09-26-2023