Last week, I introduced the VIA Character Strengths Survey (www.viacharacter.org). The completed survey lists 24 character traits in rank order from "most like me" to "least."  The top five strengths can be recognized, celebrated, and used to boost effectiveness in many aspects of our lives.  

There is no mention of the bottom five traits (perhaps they are best ignored and left behind).  However, one of my top strengths is honesty.  Honesty wants to scan down the list and find the skeletons in the basement.  Following are my bottom five character strengths and a personal take on each of them.

Prudence.  I am currently working on the painful exercise of an amended tax return.  First time around, I sped through the software interview in record time and gleefully hit "Submit."  Then another Form 1099 with taxable income arrived.  Further scrutiny revealed other costly mistakes.  I am usually cautious, but can be impulsive as well.  Measure twice, cut once.

Teamwork. I worked on teams for my entire professional career, and got good grades for playing with others. I enjoy the synergy of varied viewpoints and the efficiency of dividing up work.  On the other hand, an honest view resonates with Frank Sinatra, who liked things "my way."  Teamwork is a value for me but not necessarily a natural strength.  I need to work at it, and enjoy the rewards when it turns out well. 

Self-regulation.  Some people think of me as self-disciplined.  I have lost 40 pounds and kept it off.  I run regularly and complete several half marathons every year. I make schedules and keep them; write lists and check things off.  I do that because I need to impose structure in order to keep my choices in line with my goals. The natural tendency to over-indulge and under-produce is always lurking in the background.

Humor.  It is sad to rank low on humor.  I love to laugh, and seek out friends who can see the funny side and help me see it too.  On my own, I can take life too seriously and my efforts to lighten up can be awkward and miss their mark. 

 Bravery:  I empathize with the Cowardly Lion and his journey through Oz.  Courage on the VIA Survey is tied to the courage of one's convictions. My natural tendency is to see both sides of every issue rather than choosing one and debating the opposition. I am weak on conflict and strong on harmony.  Sometimes making peace means dodging the bullet of taking a stand when called for. I want to see those opportunities when both sides do not, in fact, balance out.

All 24 traits in the VIA are positive, and I want to excel at them all.  On the other hand, I can learn from this list where to seek a complementary partner, make an extra effort, or choose roles that benefit from my strengths and are not derailed at the other end of the scale. 

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How do you deal with strengths at the bottom of your list?  Do you get depressed and grind to a halt, or do you look for the options of getting better or creating a work-around?