Glossary
- A Comfortable LifeAspiring to lead a prosperous and comfortable life, with a focus on material well-being.
- A Sense of AccomplishmentStriving to achieve personal goals and take pride in one's achievements.
- A World at PeaceDesiring a world free of conflict and strife, where peace and harmony prevail.
- A World of BeautyValuing beauty, both in the natural world and in art, and seeking to surround oneself with aesthetically pleasing environments.
- Ability to differentiate & label feelings (self, others)In the self, recognizing and accurately identifying one's own emotions, being aware of the nuances of different feelings; with others, being attuned to others' emotions, understanding their feelings through verbal and non- verbal cues, and empathizing with their experiences
- Ability to harness and use feelings (self, others)In the self, utilizing one's own emotions constructively to facilitate thinking, problem-solving, and achieving personal goals; with others, leveraging the understanding of others' emotions to foster better relationships, collaboration, and to influence positive outcomes in group settings.
- Ability to learn, grow, & developOpportunities for personal and professional growth within the workplace, including training, mentorship, and avenues for career development.
- Ability to regulate feelings (self, others)In the self, managing and controlling one's own emotions effectively, preventing negative emotions from spiraling, and fostering positive emotions; With others, helping others manage their emotions, providing support, guidance, or intervention to assist in emotional regulation.
- AcceptanceAcknowledging the reality of the stressful situation without attempting to change it, learning to live with the circumstances and adapting to them.
- ActionThe common thread among these strengths —Self-Assurance, Input, Adaptability, and Activator—is a proactive and flexible approach to navigating various situations, combined with a confidence in one's abilities.
- AgreeablenessThis trait describes a person's tendency to be compassionate, cooperative, and harmonious with others. Agreeable individuals are often considerate and seek harmony in relationships.
- AmbitiousHaving a strong desire to achieve personal goals and to be successful.
- Amiable OptimismThe Amiable Optimism need state is easy to recognize: It is a state of confidence and self- assurance characterized by confidence in intentions.
Learn More - An Exciting LifeSeeking stimulation and excitement in life, often through varied and novel experiences.
- Symbolizes creativity and imagination, often seeking to express oneself through artistic mediums, valuing innovation and originality.
- ArtisticCreative individuals who enjoy expressing themselves through art, music, writing, or drama. They may pursue careers in the arts, like , writer, musician, or designer.
- Aspiring AgreementA key to effectively working with client’s experiencing the Aspiring Agreement need state is to surface their strongly positive feelings about their work and employer, and to allow them to connect those feelings to their goals of success and recognition.
Learn More - AuthenticityThe value of being able to be oneself at work, where individuals can express their true selves, including their beliefs, values, and individuality.
- AutonomyThe value of having independence and control over one's work, allowing individuals to make decisions and manage their tasks with minimal supervision.
- AvoidantA coping style where individuals try to avoid confronting the stressful situation directly, often by denying the problem or procrastinating.
- Basic wellbeing needsPertains to the fulfillment of fundamental needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, which form the foundation for a person's wellbeing, ensuring survival and basic comfort.
- Big Five Personality TraitsThe Big Five personality traits, also known as the Five Factor Model, are a widely accepted model for understanding and assessing personality. Sometimes known by acronyms OCEAN or CANOE. Each individual can score high or low on any of these traits, which helps to create a detailed personality profile.
- Big PictureThe common thread among these strengths —Strategic, Learner, Intellection, Ideation, Context, Belief, and Analytical—is a cognitive and analytical orientation towards understanding and problem-solving.
- Broad-mindedBeing open to different perspectives and willing to consider various viewpoints.
- CapableDemonstrating competence and ability in performing tasks and achieving goals.
- Embodies nurturing and protective qualities, often seeking to help and care for others, driven by compassion and empathy.
- CaringA work environment that values the well-being and welfare of its employees, promoting supportive relationships and a caring atmosphere.
- CautiousThe common thread among these strengths—Responsibility, Focus, Discipline, and Deliberative—is a strong orientation towards meticulous planning, reliability, and careful execution of tasks.
- Cautious ConcealingInterestingly, Cautious Concealing is a need state encountered regularly when doing demonstrations of AgileBrain® for senior executives, particularly those in tenuous positions.
Learn More - CheerfulMaintaining a positive and joyful disposition, often uplifting others with one's demeanor.
- CleanValuing cleanliness and orderliness in one's personal space and appearance.
- Connection CravingA key to effectively working with clients experiencing Connection Craving is to recognize their longing for human contact, appreciation, and validation.
Learn More - ConscientiousnessThis trait refers to a person's level of organization, responsibility, and dependability. Highly conscientious people tend to be well-organized and punctual.
- ConventionalIndividuals who prefer structured, detail-oriented tasks, often enjoying working with data and numbers. They may pursue careers in finance, administration, or data management, like accountant, administrative assistant, or data analyst.
- CourageousDemonstrating bravery and willingness to face challenges and take risks.
- DepressionA mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, often affecting one's ability to function normally in daily life.
- Diligent StrugglingDiligent Struggling occurs when individuals feel constrained. They feel that if the barriers to their full flowering were removed, they would realize their full potential.
Learn More - DistractionUtilizing activities or thoughts to divert attention away from the stressor, focusing on other aspects of life or engaging in hobbies to temporarily escape the issue.
- Engagement DriversA positive, fulfilling work-related state of mind characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption, where individuals are highly involved in and enthusiastic about their work.
- Engagement OutcomesEmployee engagement positively influences an organization by boosting productivity, enhancing job satisfaction, reducing turnover, improving customer satisfaction, fostering innovation, increasing profitability, elevating the quality of work, promoting employee well-being, strengthening team cohesion, and enhancing the organization's reputation.
- EnterprisingPeople who are persuasive, assertive, and enjoy leadership roles. They may be attracted to careers in business, sales, or management, such as manager, entrepreneur, or salesperson.
- EqualityAdvocating for fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.
- Equality SeekingA key to effectively working with clients in the Equality Seeking need state is to first understand that although they may appear to be fine and uncomplicated, there is actually a lot going on below the surface.
Learn More - Ethical conductA value that emphasizes adherence to moral and ethical principles in the workplace, promoting honesty, integrity, and responsible behavior.
- Symbolizes the common person, often seeking connection and belonging, valuing humility and representing the collective experience.
- Embodies the spirit of adventure and freedom, often on a journey of self- discovery, valuing experience and individualism.
- ExternalIndividuals with a high external locus of control perceive that external factors, such as fate, luck, or other people, predominantly dictate the events in their lives. They may feel that their efforts have less impact on outcomes, and they might attribute successes or failures to external circumstances rather than their own actions.
- ExternalizationAttributing the cause or the responsibility of the stressful situation to external factors or other people, often as a way to deflect personal responsibility.
- ExtraversionThis trait characterizes a person's level of outgoingness, assertiveness, and their ability to gain energy from social interactions, as opposed to introversion where individuals recharge through solitary activities.
- Family SecurityPrioritizing the safety and well-being of one's family, ensuring they are protected and secure.
- Financial wellbeingRelates to an individual's financial stability and security, including aspects like effective management of finances, savings, and investments, which contribute to a sense of financial peace and freedom.
- Focused StrivingA key to effectively working with clients in the Focused Striving need state is to get past their “self-satisfied” posture. Despite being middle income and non-management, they tend to be complacent.
Learn More - ForgivingBeing willing to forgive others and let go of grudges and resentments.
- FreedomValuing personal independence and the freedom to make one's own choices and decisions.
- HappinessSeeking joy and contentment in life, aspiring to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
- HelpfulBeing willing to assist others and provide help when needed.
- Embodies courage and strength, often on a quest to prove oneself, protecting others and striving to overcome challenges.
- Higher purposeThe aspiration to contribute to a greater cause or purpose through one's work, finding meaning and fulfillment in contributing to societal or organizational goals.
- HonestValuing truthfulness and integrity, being honest in one's interactions with others.
- ImaginativeHaving a creative mind and being able to think of new and innovative ideas.
- Immersion/productivityA work environment that facilitates deep focus and engagement, enabling individuals to be highly productive and immersed in their tasks.
- Imposter SyndromeA psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence.
- InclusionA workplace culture that embraces diversity and includes individuals of various backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and equal opportunity.
- IndependentValuing self-reliance and the ability to make decisions and act independently.
- Individual Work PerformanceAn individual's assessment of their own performance at work, which might include their evaluation of their productivity, efficiency, and contribution to organizational goals.
- Inner HarmonyStriving for inner peace and harmony, achieving a state of balance and tranquility within oneself.
- Characterized by purity, optimism, and a desire for simplicity and happiness, often seen as naive or overly trusting.
- IntellectualValuing intellectual engagement and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
- InternalIndividuals with a high internal locus of control believe that their actions and decisions significantly influence the outcomes and events in their lives. They tend to take personal responsibility for their successes and failures, believing that they have a substantial degree of control over their circumstances.
- InvestigativePeople who enjoy solving problems through analytical and independent thinking. They may be drawn to scientific or research-based careers, such as scientist, researcher, or analyst.
- Embodies joy and humor, often seeking to live in the moment and enjoy life, bringing laughter and lightness to others.
- Job security wellbeingRefers to the stability and security associated with one's employment, providing a sense of safety and assurance regarding continued employment and financial stability.
- Justice, Fairness, EquityA workplace that operates on principles of fairness and equity, ensuring that all employees are treated justly and have equal opportunities.
- LeadershipCommon to these strengths - Restorative, Maximizer, Futuristic, Command, Arranger, and Communication—is a forward-thinking and solution-oriented approach to leadership and collaboration.
- LogicalApproaching problems and situations with a rational and logical mindset.
- LonelinessA distressing feeling that arises from a perceived lack of connection and intimacy with others, often accompanied by feelings of isolation, even when one is not physically alone.
- Represents passion and desire, often seeking connection, love, and beauty, valuing relationships and emotional depth.
- LovingBeing affectionate and caring towards others, valuing love and close relationships.
- Symbolizes transformation and change, often possessing knowledge or skills that bring about healing or metamorphosis.
- Mature LoveAspiring to experience a deep and mature form of love, characterized by mutual respect and understanding.
- Mental/emotional wellbeing (self, others)Self: Refers to an individual's psychological health, encompassing aspects like stress management, emotional regulation, and fostering positive mental states. Others: Involves supporting the mental and emotional health of others, providing empathy, understanding, and assistance in times of emotional distress.
- Mission QuestingA key to effectively working with clients experiencing the Mission Questing need state is the recognition that their motivation to change comes from social and ethical aspirations.
Learn More - MixedIndividuals with a mixed locus of control exhibit a blend of internal and external orientations. They recognize that while their actions can influence outcomes, external factors also play a significant role. This balanced perspective allows them to navigate situations with a realistic understanding of the interplay between personal agency and external influences.
- National SecurityValuing the safety and security of one's nation, supporting efforts to protect the country from external threats.
- NeuroticismThis trait refers to a person's emotional stability and their tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, or depression. People with high levels of neuroticism may be more prone to experiencing mood swings and stress.
- ObedientFollowing rules and instructions, showing respect for authority and societal norms.
- Openness to experienceThis trait describes a person's willingness to try new things, their level of creativity, and their appreciation for art and beauty.
- Challenges the status quo and rebels against established systems, often driven by a desire for revolution and change.
- Perceived Stress LevelThe individual's perception of the level of stress they are experiencing, which can vary based on personal appraisal of the demands placed on them and their ability to cope with these demands.
- Physical wellbeing (self, others)Self: Pertains to an individual's personal health, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, fostering overall physical health and vitality. Others: Involves promoting and supporting the physical health of people around you, encouraging healthy habits and lifestyles in the community.
- PleasureSeeking enjoyment and pleasure in life, often through indulging in enjoyable activities and experiences.
- PoliteDemonstrating good manners and courteous behavior in interactions with others.
- Problem solvingActively addressing the stressful situation by identifying the problem, generating solutions, and implementing strategies to resolve the issue effectively.
- Psychological safetyA work environment where individuals feel safe to express their ideas and opinions without fear of negative repercussions, fostering open communication and collaboration.
- RealisticIndividuals who prefer hands-on, practical work, often involving physical activities. They may enjoy working with tools, machines, or animals. Careers might include engineer, mechanic, or farmer.
- RecognitionThe value placed on acknowledging and rewarding employees' efforts and achievements, fostering motivation and job satisfaction.
- Relief SeekingThe hallmark of the Relief-Seeking need state is overwhelming negativity. Consulting guidelines for referral to other professional help may be merited to ensure effective interaction can begin.
Learn More - ResponsibleBeing reliable and accountable, fulfilling one's duties and obligations.
- Represents control and authority, often seeking to create order and structure, valuing power and leadership.
- Represents wisdom and insight, often seeking truth and knowledge, and is characterized by being a thoughtful mentor or advisor.
- SalvationPursuing spiritual salvation or enlightenment, often through religious or spiritual practices.
- Self-ActualizationThe process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential and capabilities, often considered the pinnacle of psychological development where individuals strive to become the best version of themselves.
- Self blameA coping mechanism where individuals hold themselves responsible for the stressful situation, often engaging in self-criticism and negative self- talk.
- Self-Controlled Demonstrating restraint and control over one's impulses and desires.
- Self-RespectAspiring to maintain a sense of self-worth and respect, valuing oneself and one's abilities.
- Self-TranscendenceGoing beyond oneself to connect with higher goals or spirituality, often characterized by altruism, unity with others, and finding meaning and purpose beyond personal interests.
- Social wellbeingEncompasses the quality of relationships and social connections an individual has, fostering a sense of belonging, community, and positive interactions with others.
- SocialCommon to these 10 strengths—Woo, Relator, Positivity, Includer, Individualization, Harmony, Empathy, Developer, Consistency, and Connectedness—is an orientation towards interpersonal relationships and social harmony.
- SocialIndividuals who enjoy helping, teaching, or counseling others. They are often drawn to careers in education, healthcare, or social work, such as teacher, nurse, or counselor
- Social RecognitionSeeking recognition and respect from others, often through achieving status or success.
- Social supportSeeking assistance, comfort, or advice from friends, family, or support groups to help manage the stressor, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
- SpiritualUtilizing spiritual or religious beliefs and practices as a source of comfort and guidance during stressful times, often seeking a deeper understanding or connection to a higher power.
- SpiritualityA personal or group pursuit of deeper meanings, purposes, and higher realities, often involving practices and beliefs that connect individuals to something greater than themselves, which might be religious or non-religious in nature.
- Stress RevealingThe Stress Revealing state reflects a vulnerable need for kindness, empathy, and support, alongside a raw sensitivity to shame, criticism, or being mocked.
- Success/achievementThe aspiration to achieve significant milestones and successes in one's career, being recognized for accomplishments and contributions.
- True FriendshipValuing genuine and deep friendships, characterized by trust, loyalty, and mutual support.
- WinningThe common thread among these strengths—Significance, Competition, and Achiever—is a strong drive for achievement and recognition.
- WisdomSeeking knowledge and understanding, aspiring to develop wisdom through learning and experience.