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a failing grade. 2.<br><br> throws a book at someone who refuses to co- operate Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average assertivepersistently positive or confident in insisting on one 9s rights in expressing thoughts and feelings, or on being recognized. 1. refuses to lend notes to a student who never returns them 2.<br><br> insists on being given credit for a completed project autonomousindependent and self-governing; tries to break away from restraints, confinement or restrictions 1. chooses an individual assignment rather than a group project 2. likes to travel alone aestheticis open to many forms of experience and believes that awareness and enjoyment of sights, sounds, smells and touch are an important part of life 1.<br><br> pauses to smell the flowers while walking through a field 2. takes a course in art or music analyticalseeks to understand things or people by breaking them down into their component parts and investigating their meaning 1. takes a watch apart to see how it works 2.<br><br> observes friends 9 verbal and non-verbal behaviour to see what cmakes them tick d Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average affectionateverbally and physically expresses kindness and tenderness; has a loving nature 1. puts arm around someone to comfort him/her 2. uses words of endearment in a letter ambitiousshows a great deal of effort at tasks; has a strong desire for fame and power 1.<br><br> willing to work long hours to gain a promotion on the job 2. applies only to large influential companies where opportunities for quick advancement are available adventurousseeks out exciting, novel or dangerous experiences; willing to take risks and meet new challenges 1. spends a year in an African village to further studies in anthropology 2.<br><br> takes up skydiving to see what it 9s like co-operativehas ability to work to work together with others, combing efforts and talents in a harmonious, helpful way. 1. carries out his/her share of the housework even when things are hectic 2.<br><br> is willing to compromise on some issues when serving on a committee Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average cautiousself-protecting and seeks to avoid taking risks which may threaten emotional or physical safety 1. always wears something white when going out after dark 2. does not disclose too much about himself/herself in a group of people carefreetends to be lighthearted, cheerful and jovial in his/her approach to life 9s experiences; does not feel burdened with hardships and is easy-going 1.<br><br> joins in social activities cjust for fun d 2. laughs and jokes a lot in games and sports courteousis polite, considerate and displays good manners in deal with others 1. offers to help carry some parcels for someone who seems overburdened 2, asks permission before borrowing another 9s belongings calculatinghas a shrewd or cunning way of dealing with people or situations 1.<br><br> sets up a scheme to avoid paying any income tax 2. feigns a migraine on Friday morning - knowing that coworkers will advise him/her to go home for the weekend Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average competitiveenjoys engaging in activities in which rivalry and competition are important; likes to win and surpass one 9s previous performance and that of others 1. always puts in an hour 9s more study time than roommate 2.<br><br> becomes discouraged and unhappy with a second place finish in a race conscientiousis meticulous, disciplined and hard-working and always completes tasks 1. make sure he/she follows the doctor 9s prescribed diet every day 2. turns down an invitation to dinner due to a previous commitment at work conservativerespects established traditional values and ideas and is often resistant to change 1.<br><br> opposes a new office policy because the old one cworked d 2. does not allow daughter to wear torn blue jeans to school cleversmart, bright, intelligent 1. obtains high marks on general knowledge test 2.<br><br> ingenious at discovering new ways of solving a problem Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average courageousdaring and brave under threatening or dangerous circumstances 1. runs into a burning building to save someone 2. confronts two people who are having a fist fight coldhas a temperament which appears to be unconcerned, apathetic and distant towards others 1.<br><br> tells a distressed friend to quit feeling sorry for himself/herself 2. rarely laughs or cries criticaltending to find fault; judge mental 1. makes adverse comments about someone 9s character 2.<br><br> carefully analyzes, critiques assignments before handing them in defensivereadily suspects that people mean him/her harm or are against him/her; guarded; does not accept criticism easily 1. gets angry with someone who suggests improvements on his/her essay 2. does not ask for feedback on performance dominantattempts to control environment and influence or direct others; enjoys the role of leader 1.<br><br> expresses opinions forcefully in classes 2. spontaneously assumes a leadership role in a new group Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average demonstrativeshows feelings openly without hesitation or embarrassment hugs a friend in front of other people 2. cries when being told a sad story dependentrelies on others for support, direction and decision-making 1.<br><br> relies on spouse to make all household financial decisions 2. constantly seeks out praise on tasks and assignments energeticactive and industrious, approaches tasks and situations with zeal, vigour and intent 1. manages to accomplish several tasks within a given time period 2.<br><br> never found sitting around with nothing to do expressivearticulate, verbal and non-verbal interactions with others; shows intensity of feeling or meaning 1. speech or written ideas are very colourful and eloquent 2. gestures with hands and face during conversation empatheticperceptive and understanding of other 9s thoughts and feelings 1.<br><br> listens intently to what others are saying 2. offers a chelping hand d to those who need support and comfort Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average efficientproduces desired results with minimum possible time, expense or waste 1. starts all tasks on schedule 2.<br><br> recycles scrap materials for other uses emotionalhas a tendency to be affected by and to express feelings 1. expresses anger easily 2. easily hurt by words or actions of others extrovertedoriented toward the external, objective world; preoccupied by interactions with people and things 1.<br><br> takes part in many group sports and activities 2. wants to know what people think of him/her all the time friendlysociable, interacts with others, expresses kindness, congeniality and interest 1. introduces himself/herself to a stranger at a party 2.<br><br> helps an elderly neighbour shovel snow flexibleadapts readily to changes in environment 1. draws up an alternative career plan upon failure to get into medical school 2. changes opinion of an individual in light of new evident Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average fearfulapprehensive; prone to worrying and uneasiness 1.<br><br> avoids new and ambiguous situations 2. spends a lot of time and energy fretting about tests and exams forthrightdirect and frank about one 9s feelings, values, opinions, etc. 1.<br><br> presents feedback directly and does not complain about others behind their backs 2. critiques the work of others in a sincere, straight- forward manner formalreserved and distant in manner; concerned with etiquette and conventional behaviour 1. would never wear blue jeans to a public event 2.<br><br> reads a book on etiquette in preparation for a dinner party generouswilling to give or share; unselfish 1. gives to charitable organizations without hesitation 2. even during a busy time of the week, offers to help a friend complete a project Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average humorouscomical and amusing, witty and entertaining 1.<br><br> stirs others to laughter with jokes 2. can make a sombre situation seem funny honesttrustworthy; is open and genuine in dealing with others 1. admits to committing an act against someone 2.<br><br> returns an overpayment to an unsuspecting customer impulsivetends to act on the cspur of the moment d and without deliberation; gives vent readily to feelings and wishes 1. volunteers for a task without checking out the commitments first 2. spends a lot of money on useless items intellectualinterested in acquiring knowledge, in understanding phenomena or being inventive and creative 1.<br><br> reads many books on a wide variety of subjects 2. enjoys debating philosophical issues introvertedoriented toward the inner, subjective world; interested in exploring and analyzing personal thoughts, feelings, etc. 1.<br><br> takes time to meditate each day 2. chooses to remain somewhat quiet or withdrawn in group conversations Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average inquisitivecurious about one 9s environment; likes to experiment and investigate 1. asks many questions in class 2.<br><br> explores an old, abandoned house to see what 9s there imaginativecreative, inventive, original in one 9s ideas 1. Finds a new way to use an old product 2. thinks up a new game to amuse children individualisticbehaves, thinks and feels in a highly personalized and distinct way 1.<br><br> wears clothes which are not considered cfashionable d 2. holds values or opinions which are contrary to those of peer group irritablequick tempered and easily offended; often in bad humour 1. gets impatient with and yells at noisy children 2.<br><br> tends to csnap d at people who disturb him/her insecureuncertain or anxious about one 9s self-worth, behaviour, ability, etc. 1. constantly asking for permission to do something 2.<br><br> unwilling to decide on anything without getting feedback from several authorities first Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average modestshows a high degree of humility; not vain or boastful 1. keeps high marks to himself/herself 2. does not expect to be rewarded for a good deed open-mindedunprejudiced; willing to consider new ideas 1.<br><br> nonjudgmental of those whose values or behaviour differ from his/hers 2. willing to try a novel way of solving a personal problem organizedconcerned with keeping personal effects, surrounding and schedules in order; dislikes confusion and lack of organization 1. always knows how much money he/she has in the bank 2.<br><br> keeps a systematic study schedule patientendures pain, trouble, etc. without complaining; calmly tolerates delay, confusion, etc. 1.<br><br> remains unruffled when airplane is delayed for 5 hours 2. able to deal with noisy, acting-out children perfectionisticconcerned with producing a result which is flawless or foolproof 1. gets an average of 86% and still want to improve 2.<br><br> practises tennis during all spare moments to prepare for a match Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average persuasiveconvincing and influential in changing the beliefs or actions of others 1. tends to wind arguments 2. can talk a person into buying something he/she originally didn 9t want perseveringhas stamina and endurance; patient and unrelenting in work habits 1.<br><br> works long hours to complete a task 2. after several job rejections, continues to apply for positions and approach potential employers practicalmatter-of fact; concerned that actions or objects be useful, realistic, concrete 1. refuses to purchase ornamental objects which do not serve a useful function 2.<br><br> joins a sewing class rather than a music appreciation course rationalsensible; makes judgements based on intellectual reasoning; actions and feelings are based on logic and objectivity 1. collects and considers factual information before making a decision 2. likes to analyze his/her feelings relaxedfree from tension, frustration, and worry 1.<br><br> appears comfortable and content in company of strangers 2. walks with a calm, causal gait DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average shyrestrained and timid and self- conscious; feels threatened by other people 1. blushes when given a compliment 2.<br><br> avoids approaching other people self-confidentsecure and self- assures; believes in own ability to accomplish most tasks undertaken 1. readily tackles new and challenging tasks 2. speaks with ease in front of a large audience stronghas a character which is steadfast and determined even in the fact of great difficulty 1.<br><br> is the one people clean on d during an emotional crisis 2. maintains a positive, goal- directed outlook on life following a great financial or personal loss sarcastictends to make remarks which are scornful and cynical 1. makes caustic comments to dissatisfied customers 2.<br><br> sneers at/on other 9s misfortunes stubbornobstinate and unyielding, unwilling to consider alternatives or make changes 1. refuses to stop cramming for exams even when this method produces failures 2. ignores supervisor 9s suggestions for improved work production Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 DEGREE OF COMPETENCE Personal Quality DefinitionExample Behaviours Above Average AverageBelow Average tensenervous, anxious; appears fidgety or rigid 1.<br><br> finds it difficult to fall asleep 2. movements are quick and abrupt thoroughalways completes tasks and approaches them in a precise, meticulous way 1. rereads documents to make sure all information is accurate 2.<br><br> never cuts corners when complete a project tactfultakes care to avoid offending in communications with others; 1. in criticising another 9s work, is careful to point out both positive and negative aspects 2. judgement in knowing the right time to make objections to a company policy warmcommunicates caring and concern through physical gestures, tone of voice, touch, and facial expression Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 Go through the list again and select your three major strengths and three major weaknesses.<br><br> For each quality describe at least one experience which validates this as a major strengths or weakness . 2. StrengthsValidating Experiences 1.<br><br> 2. 3. WeaknessValidating Experiences 1.<br><br> 2. 3. Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 Ask someone who knows you well to go through the Personal Characteristics Exercise to identify your characteristics.<br><br> This will help determine how others perceive you. Compare your personal characteristics list with the characteristics identified by someone who knows you will. Describe any themes or patterns you see emerging as you study your personal characteristics for example, you described your strengths as: ambitious, energetic and assertive.<br><br> Such a person may enjoy working in sales or teach. 3. 4.<br><br> Positive Patterns You will want to emphasize these positive attributes when you present yourself to employers. Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 Negative Patterns Do not be alarmed by your weaknesses. Now is the time to address them.<br><br> Co-operative Education Personal Characteristics - Exercise #1 Often your weaknesses are not totally negative. For example, someone who is shy is more likely to take the time to listen and analyze the feelings of others. This weakness can be transformed into a strength - cempathy d.<br><br> Examine the weaknesses you have identified in yourself. In what sense could your weaknesses, with some effort from you , be transformed into strengths? See more examples below.<br><br> 5. A WEAKNESS TRANSFORMED INTO A STRENGTH Low self-esteem Modesty Domineering Capable of Leadership Compulsive Meticulous Compromising Capable of Negotiating Perfectionistic Capable of Excellence Aggressive Assertive ADD YOUR OWN HERE:

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