| Abstrakt: |
The depth and strength of agricultural professions, in all facets, rely on self-aware and purposeddriven individuals armed with accurate confidence in personal competencies. In this descriptive study, a convenience sample of state FFA officers (N=3,283) in the National FFA Organization were administered the Clifton StrengthsFinder® assessment, from 2006-2010 and 2012-2015, as a tool provided by the National FFA Organization as part of a state FFA officer leadership training program. Authentic leaders have a profound sense of self, which can be essential in shaping a strengths-based organization. Strengths provide an opportunity to develop state FFA officer self-awareness and authentic leadership skills that are highly transferable to current student interests and any future schooling or career path chosen. This pre-existing data was studied and outlines the trends in the top five signature talent themes of this sample population, the most frequently shared talents in this sample are Achiever (36.83%), Responsibility (32.17%), Restorative (29.33%), Includer (28.88%) and Learner (25.46%). Future research recommendations include following up with a random selection of state officer teams at the conclusion of their state officer year with reflection on the impact, utility and rigor of strengths, and strengths training program may shed valuable insight. Additionally, a one-year post survey, followed by a five-year post survey, could also help identify the impact and utility of the strengths component to state FFA officers. The State and National FFA Organizations should also consider these findings with regard to all leadership development programming. Also including a random sample population of students to complete the StrengthsFinder® assessment both in FFA and not in FFA could provide an opportunity for comparison in student talents, which lay groundwork in relation to student motivations, interests, and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
