It Could Have Worked

Next time I offer my assistance, it should be within my capabilities.

The goal for last weekend was to apply my signature strength, teamwork, to the task of building the set for NDNU’s play, The Amateurs. While I had the enthusiasm to test it,  it was difficult to apply it. I felt ill that day and more people decided to volunteer. Most jobs were taken by the time I arrived at the theatre. I was left with being in charge of organizing props that were brought down by the director. However, it only took me a short amount of time. Trying to be a part of actual construction, I inserted myself into the process. Unfortunately, it did not go as well as I hoped it would. I ended up holding set pieces together and delivering tools. The worst part was that I did not know what the tools were called; I was thoroughly embarrassed. Eventually, I just presented myself as if I were doing something, but I knew I was not.

Reflecting on this, I realized that I could have had a better experimental experience if I was not sick and had knowledge of how to build and the tools to use. However, I do believe that I succeeded in testing my teamwork strength, even if it was not fully completed. Though I was not as useful as I was hoping to be, I was still apart of the crew and I did the share of the work that was given to me.

There Is No "I" In Theatre

After taking the Signature Strengths Test, I have discovered that my greatest strength is teamwork. I fully believe that it perfectly describes me. No matter what I am assigned, I always follow through. Even if it is as difficult as building a set.

Notre Dame de Namur’s Theatre Department will be having a production of The Amateurs, by Tom Griffin. With only a month before opening night, everyone must cooperate for the play to be a success.

I am an assistant stage manager. My role is to perform multiple jobs and accomplish any tasks that I am given, whether it is cleaning up at the end of rehearsals or subbing in for a missing actor. This role also requires me to help build the set. This upcoming weekend, a small group of people are meeting to construct it. Having never built a set before, let alone use an assortment of construction tools, I am nervous and worried that people will think I am not useful. But after evaluating my strength, I recognized that I work well as a team member. So during construction time, I will constantly offer to work on any set pieces. If I do not know how to complete the piece, I will ask another member to give me instructions. Also, if someone else is struggling, I will lend them my services as best as I can.

After this weekend, I hope I can analyze my actions and thoughts in a situation where there is a problem and multiple people. Do I wait for a task to be given to me or do I take the initiative? I would also hope to ask others if they think I am as good as a team member as I believe I am. With this information, I can discover if there are any ways I can improve my strength.

The First Step Is Always the Hardest

I did it!
I did it!
I did it!