Identity, Values, and Strengths
The Big Idea
Understanding who you are — your values, strengths, and what shapes you — is the foundation of your learning plan. This exploration is where you gather that evidence. You will turn it into a blog post next sprint.
⚑ This task is assessed Your blog post based on this exploration is part of your formal assessment. Write honestly and specifically — personal examples matter more than general statements.
Your Roadmap
| Section | Time | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Gather evidence — values | 1–2 hours | ⚑ Required |
| Gather evidence — strengths | 1 hour | ⚑ Required |
| Document your findings | 2 hours | ⚑ Required |
Gather evidence — values
The task: Identify and name the values most important to you, with evidence.
Evidence could include:
- A story of a time you acted on a value — what happened, what you decided, how you feel about it now
- Feedback from a trusted friend, family member, or colleague
- An achievement you are proud of and what it says about what matters to you
- A whakataukī, quote, or image that captures something central to who you are
- Reflection on what has shaped you — your culture, upbringing, community
Gather evidence — strengths
The task: Identify your strengths and areas where you want to grow.
Use one or more of these tools:
- Strengths Finder — allright.org.nz
- Big 5 Personality Assessment
- DOPE (4 Personality Types) — search for it
Take the results as a starting point, not a verdict. What resonates? What does not?
Document your findings
Write your findings in a temporary document (Google Docs, a local text file, whatever works for you). You will turn this into a blog post in Sprint 2.
What to include — your blog post must address all five of these:
Describe a situation where you made an ethical decision. What values were in tension? What did you decide? How do you see that decision now?
Describe how your culture and the people around you have shaped your values and identity.
Identify your strengths and how they will support you during your learning journey.
Identify areas where you want to grow. How might these affect your learning at Dev Academy?
Describe a situation where you tried to work productively with others but hit resistance or tension. What did you try? How effective was it? What would you do differently now?
Note: Share only what you are comfortable sharing. Your facilitator will read this. You do not need to go into detail about anything personal that feels private — what matters is honest reflection on your values and growth, not full disclosure.
How to know you've nailed it
| Level | You can... | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 🪨 | Intro Climb | Name three values that are important to you and give one example of each in action | ⚑ Required |
| 🧗 | Core Ascent | Write a draft covering all five prompts above with specific personal examples | ⚑ Required |
| 🏔️ | Summit | Connect your values, strengths, and growth areas into a coherent picture of how you learn best | ◎ Optional |
The Big Idea (revisited)
Knowing your values, strengths, and growth areas is not a one-off exercise — it is the foundation of how you will work with others throughout the programme. You will turn this into a blog post in Sprint 2.