I have taken the VIA survey and other similar character surveys before. While I was surprised at some characteristics' ordering, I was glad to see that I haven't remained static since my last test. Does the fact that my strengths and weaknesses have changed tell me that I am growing? Does it acknowledge the volatility of these surveys because they highlight what you are focusing on at the time of the test? I think it's likely both.  Regardless, I find these unbiased tests share important insights into how I show up in the world, at least when I take the test. 

Possibly more revealing about my character than the formal testing was what two traits I chose to share with family, friends, and colleagues for feedback. Of the 24 character traits listed, I sought feedback about "Honesty," which was my top trait, and "Forgiveness," which was not my weakest characteristic but one of the bottom five. My weakest character strength was "Creativity." I could not bring myself to ask why that might be at the bottom of my list. As an artist and an art teacher, I value creativity immensely in myself and others. And yet, weeks after asking for feedback, I am still overwrought with self-doubt as I reflect that, in fact, my creativity is something that I need to work on actively. Yes, I am an artist, but I paint realistic images -- is that creative? I push the committees I am a part of by philosophizing and asking tough questions, but is that creative? Why didn't I share that weakness for feedback?

It's certainly interesting to think about now as I reflect on the feedback I received about "Forgiveness," which is a character weakness of which I am quite aware. Sometimes I am even intentional about my lack of forgiveness. As Patrick, my close friend and colleague at Milton, said, "I think [forgiveness] might end up being in direct contrast to your sense of honesty, but I think a school leader needs to, at times, be a salesperson or a cheerleader. I worry that this might be hard for you!" Patrick's comment is an important reminder for me because, in many ways, forgiveness goes hand in hand with approachability and how I can connect with colleagues and build rapport. My fiancé, Kath, shared in her feedback that it is often my "high expectation of others" and "need for people to earn my forgiveness" that likely cause this characteristic to be so low on my list. I indeed expect the best out of people, and while I want to cheer them on and support their growth, I have a hard time forgiving colleagues when I think their actions or words have been damaging. Vanessa, the Dean of Multiculturalism and Community Development at Milton, shared similar feedback by noting, "the way I see you move in antiracist work is rather unforgiving of white people. The value that comes across through your work is a high regard for holding yourself and other white people accountable, and not forgiving racist action or inaction. To me, this is a strength of yours, because you speak plainly while maintaining warmth and compassion, but you do not center or coddle white feelings." I agree with Vanessa that there are instances where forgiveness is not appropriate, but Patrick's and Kath's feedback is not in contrast to that point. As a teacher, I do not hesitate to forgive my students and create a safe space for learning and development. I need to create a similar space for my colleagues' learning and development because, as a leader, it is essential to be approachable and connected to the adults in the community. I want to lead with my colleagues, and therefore I need to build trust and a supportive environment where everyone can find success. 

It felt affirming that both the character survey and the feedback I received highlighted my strength in honesty. Patrick shared that, "Without even seeing your results, I would have said that honesty was your greatest strength. You are honest with others and present an honest version of yourself in all circumstances. You deliver your feedback in a straightforward (and helpful!) way. I also appreciate your consistency… I know what I'm going to get when I meet/talk with you. You are also very trustworthy and that is something I can depend on." Being honest and trustworthy is something I try to bring to all situations, whether in my role as a teacher, a friend, a loved one, or a leader. I value honesty from others, frequently seeking feedback, and thus I try to hold myself to the same standards. Lu, who is my mentee through the Penn Fellowship program and my colleague in the art department at Milton, said, "I think that honesty as a trait is present in all of our interactions; rather than needing to be noted when you are 'being honest' I trust that it is always present. I trust you to be truthful in our conversations as mentor-mentee. It means that I can come to you with a problem or an issue of any magnitude and know that I will be able to talk to you without any sugar-coating or beating around the bush. Valuing or being strong in honesty as a teacher is powerful." Again, I appreciate this feedback because while my honesty doesn't always mean positivity, it is a consistent character trait that friends and colleagues can expect from me. I will continue prioritizing honesty in my future leadership roles.  

I feel it essential to share the feedback that my colleague Vanessa shared with me, as it is a good reminder of how my honesty can permeate in my current roles and as a future leader. Vanessa wrote in her feedback, "The first time I remember noticing your leadership at Milton was due to your honesty. During a faculty meeting, we were having a full-group discussion involving race and privilege. I can't remember the particular topic, but I do remember that it felt contentious, and that several people had spoken with heightened emotions. You stood up and said something quite honest about Milton's white supremacy culture and the power and privilege held by you as an individual and white people collectively. I remember feeling relieved to not have to be the black person saying such things yet again--and I was impressed by the clarity and honesty of your language, even though you were nervous. Funnily enough, I also remember wondering if that was the first time I'd ever heard you speak in front of the whole faculty. What a way to come out of the gate! After the meeting, I told you that you should be a head of school (I still think so). You seemed concerned at first, maybe that I was being too nice, and you assured me that you would love to hear from me if I ever had a criticism that could help you grow. I am deliberately not in the habit of praising white people for making necessary and correct statements about racism, but I do believe in giving feedback (even positive feedback when it's earned!). Your actions showed me that you are not only honest, but you value honesty in others. You are the type of person who learns from feedback, whether positive or negative, and your antiracism is not rooted in ego."