CSV (Character Strengths and Virtues) is a theoretical framework created to facilitate practical applications in the field of Positive Psychology following research by Dr. Martin Seligman, father of Positive Psychology, and Christopher Peterson in 2004. It is very important to recognize the strengths and virtues of our character, in order to fully utilize them to achieve our goals, whether in our personal life or in our professional arena.
These strengths and character traits identified by this research are 24 in total and fall into 6 categories . When reading these characteristics, try to keep in mind how much these characteristics express you. Some questions that help us identify our strengths and characteristics are:
- Which of the following do you feel belongs to you?
- Which ones make you think ” this is really me “?
- Which ones do you feel excited about when you use them?
- Who do you think you are exactly when you hear that particular word?
- Which ones do you think are inevitable not to use?
- Which ones do you have a strong desire to incorporate into the way you operate and act in your business ?
- Which of these, when you use them, make you feel energetic and happy ?
The 6 categories and 24 strengths and virtues are as follows:
A. Knowledge and Wisdom . They mainly concern the way of thinking and the way of acquiring knowledge.
- Creativity (originality, innovative thinking): That is, thinking of new and effective ways to understand things and to act.
- Curiosity (interest, being “open” to experiences): Finding new experiences interesting, wanting to explore and discover.
- Critical thinking: Examining things from all sides, changing your mind if new evidence emerges, weighing evidence fairly.
- Love of learning: Learning and developing new skills, subjects, knowledge. It is related to curiosity but involves the tendency to add knowledge in a more systematic way.
- Perspective (wisdom): The combination of knowledge and experience. Many studies show that “wisdom” is not directly related to age.
B. Mental Courage – The will to achieve goals despite external or internal difficulties.
- Bravery: Not giving in to threats, challenges, difficulties, or pain. Expressing what we believe is right even when there is resistance.
- Perseverance: Finishing what we started, continuing despite obstacles.
- Honesty (authenticity, integrity): Being sincere and genuine, acting without pretense.
- Vitality (Enthusiasm, energy): Viewing life with enthusiasm and energy.
C. Humanism – Strengths in the way we relate to others.
- Love: Valuing close relationships with others, especially those with whom there is a mutual caring relationship.
- Kindness (generosity, compassion, altruism): Doing good deeds for others, helping them and caring for them.
- Social intelligence: Being aware of other people’s emotions and motivations, knowing how to adapt to social situations.
D. Justice – Strengths in the way we operate within society.
- Teamwork: Working well together as members of a team, being loyal to a team.
- Justice: Treating all people the same, without discrimination and prejudice.
- Leadership: Having influence in a team and good relationships.
E. Temperance – Strengths that protect us against excess.
- Forgiveness: Forgiving those who have hurt us, accepting the weaknesses of others, not being vindictive.
- Humility: Letting our achievements speak for themselves. Not considering ourselves better than we are.
- Prudence: Being careful with our choices and not taking unnecessary risks.
- Self-control: Controlling our actions, having discipline.
F. Transcendentalism – Strengths that strengthen relationships with a larger universe and create “meaning.”
- Appreciation of beauty (awe, admiration): Observing and appreciating beauty and excellence in all areas of life from nature to art or everyday experience.
- Gratitude: Being grateful for the good things that happen to us, expressing our “thank you”.
- Hope (optimism, faith in the future): Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it.
- Humor (the mood for play): Likes to laugh and play, to bring smiles to the faces of others.
- Spirituality (faith, purpose): Having solid beliefs about the ultimate purpose of the world and the meaning of life that shape our behavior and bring us comfort.
After discovering our strengths and virtues, answer the following questions to further activate your thinking:
- What do you think would change in your daily life if you applied your strongest point every day?
- What do you think would change in your business or your job if you applied your 10 strongest points and character virtues daily?
- What do you think would change in the area of your business that you have prioritized if you applied your 5 strongest points and character virtues daily?