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Talents I have a commanding personality that leads me to take charge. Unlike some people, I feel no discomfort with imposing my views on others. On the contrary, once my opinion is formed, I need to share it with others. Once a goal is set, I feel restless until I have aligned others with me. I am not frightened by confrontation; rather, I know that confrontation is the first step toward resolution. Whereas others may avoid facing up to life's unpleasantness, I feel compelled to present the facts or the truth, no matter how unpleasant it may be. I need things to be clear between people and challenge them to be clear-eyed and honest. I push them to take risks. I may even intimidate them. And while some may resent this, labeling me opinionated, they often willingly hand me the reins. People are drawn toward those who take a stance and ask them to move in a certain direction. Therefore, people are drawn to me. I have presence. I have command. I am facinated by ideas. What is an idea? An idea is a concept, the best explanation of the most events. I am delighted when I discover beneath the complex surface an elegantly simple concept to explain why things are the way they are. An idea is a connection. Mine is the kind of mind that is always looking for connections, and so I am intrigued when seemingly disparate phenomena can be linked by an obscure connection. An idea is a new perspective on familiar challenges. I revel in taking the world we all know and turning it around so we can view it from a strange but strangely enlightening angle. I love all these ideas because they are profound, because they are novel, because they are clarifying, because they are contrary, because they are bizarre. For all these reasons I derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to me. Others label me creative, original, conceptual and even smart. My strategic mind allows me to sort through a clutter of data and find the best route. This is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows me to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, I play out alternative scenarios, always asking, "What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?" This recurring question helps me to see around the next corner. There I can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where I see each path leading, I start to make selections. I discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. I cull and make selections until I arrive at the chosen path - my strategy. Armed with my strategy, I strike forward. I love to learn. Whatever the subject, I am always drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for me. I am energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what I have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered - this is the process that entices me. My excitement leads me to engage in a variety of learning experiences - reading, listening, going on field trips, etc. It enables me to thrive in dynamic work environments where I am asked to take on short project assignments and am expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the "getting there." I have a motto: The acquisition of knowledge is reward in itself. I am inquisitive. I collect things - information, words, facts, books, watches, Department 56 buildings, old ATARI hardware, and other things. No matter what I collect, it's because it interests me. And mine is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. I read a great deal, not only to refine my theories, but also to add more information to my "archives." I like to travel because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts and new adventures. The knowledge and experience I have is stored and filed - it keeps my mind fresh and often proves valuable.