Activity: Exploring Skills with Indigo

Leave a Comment / Activities, Skills / Sheri Smith

Take a step towards personal growth with this simple yet impactful 15-minute activity designed to enhance a 21st-century skill from your Indigo Report.

By combining reflective journaling with a tailored video, you’ll dive deeper into your strengths, understand their significance, and take actionable steps to refine them.

Let’s turn self-awareness into self-improvement, one skill at a time.

The Goal

The goal of this activity is to build self-awareness and strengthen a specific skill by reflecting on its meaning, assessing personal proficiency, and creating an action plan for improvement.

Materials:

Skills page from your Indigo Report
Your journal or notebook
The skills video for your focus skill

Step 1:

Skill Focus. Using your Indigo Report, decide which skill you will focus on today.

Step 2:

Ranking. Look on the skills page of your Indigo Report to find your ranking for the skill you have chosen. Jot down the skill and your ranking in your journal or notebook.

Step 3:

Question. Consider: “What does this skill mean to you?” Write down your thoughts—there are no right or wrong answers!

Step 4:

Watch the Video. Watch the video for your chosen skill. Make notes in your journal or notebook as you watch, focusing on these two questions:

How is this skill defined? What are steps you can take to successfully apply this skill?

Step 5:

Solo Reflection. Respond in your journal or notebook to the question below.

Look back at the ranking for this skill you wrote earlier. Based on the information in the video, why do you think you attained this ranking?

Step 6:

Action. Make a commitment to yourself to practice this skill by writing a response to the question below.

What is one thing you can do today to practice this skill?

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Activity: Written Communication

Leave a Comment / Activities, Skills / Sheri Smith

The best way to improve your written communication is to practice! Whether you're crafting essays, resumes, sales copy, or technical instructions, each type of writing has its own nuances and purpose.

In this exercise, we’ll guide you through the importance of understanding the specific writing skills needed for your desired job and introduce practical tools to help you improve.

With the included Indigo exercises, "Indigo for Essay Writing" and "Indigo for Resume Writing," you'll get hands-on experience in key writing areas that everyone needs to master. Ready to improve your written communication?

The Goal

Enhance your writing skills by practicing personal essays and resumes—foundational exercises that strengthen your overall communication and support growth in your specific writing focus.

Activities:

The key is knowing which type of writing is most valued at the work you are trying to do. Do you want to learn to write sales copy, blogs, technical instructions, curriculum, etc? Honing your writing toward a job specific skill is the best way to get hired and stand out.

View the activities below for practical written communication exercises:

Resources:

If you are looking for online resources for honing your writing skills check out the following resources:

Grammarly – spelling and grammar checker
Wordcounter – word counts, estimates reading level and reading/speaking time
Cliché Finder – identifies over-used clichés
Draft – writing collaboration tool, can compare drafts and daily word count
Hemingway Editor – readability suggestions
StayFocused – temporarily disables web browsing
One Look Reverse Dictionary – advanced thesaurus
Join a writing club to receive real time feedback from your peers.

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Activity: Time and Priority Management

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / Sheri Smith

Managing time and priorities can be one of the toughest challenges, especially if you are juggling academics, extracurricular activities, and everything else life throws your way. With so many distractions—like that irresistible YouTube video of adorable Corgis—it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

However, learning to prioritize effectively can transform chaos into clarity. The "Time and Priority Management" exercise helps you do just that by giving you a practical tool to help organize your tasks based on importance.

By mapping out your priorities on a matrix, you'll be able to assess where your energy and focus should go and learn how to prioritize more effectively. Ready to regain control? Let’s get started!

The Goal

This activity will equip you with a practical tool to organize tasks and focus on what truly matters.

Step 1:

Read over the priority matrix below. Tasks with different levels of importance are sorted into four quadrants, corresponding to the degree of priority.

Step 2:

Create a priority matrix for yourself. Your priority matrix can be for all activities in a day, all components in a project, homework for all of your classes, or anything else in your life that needs time and priority management.

Consider using priority matrices during high-intensity and busy times and as a tool to organize yourself.

Take this tool with you and use it regularly, especially when you’re feeling overloaded. Prioritizing will not only help you stay on top of your tasks but also help you feel more confident and in control, no matter how busy life gets.

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Activity: Teamwork

Leave a Comment / Activities, Skills / Sheri Smith

Teamwork is essential to thriving in any group setting, but it takes practice and intention to truly develop. Effective teamwork isn’t just about working together; it’s about building trust, empowering each other, and taking responsibility for shared outcomes.

This activity will help you develop affirmations to reinforce trust and mutual support, equipping you to build stronger, more collaborative relationships.

Dig deeper into this exercise to foster an authentic, empowering approach to teamwork!

The Goal

Develop strong teamwork skills to build mutual respect, leverage diverse strengths, and share responsibility for team success.

Step 1:

Make a daily affirmation list regarding trusting and empowering others. A couple examples are provided for you, but see if you can come up with at least five more. Once you have completed your list, keep a copy of it on a notecard, in your journal or notebook to refer to prior to meeting with the groups with which you learn and work.

Examples:

“I will trust other people to do their jobs.”
“I will perform my job so that others can do theirs.”

People who have well developed Teamwork skills easily form relationships with mutual respect among diverse types of people.

My Affirmations:

Step 2:

Use your affirmations to foster stronger team relationships by actively practicing them in group settings. Before your next meeting or collaboration, review your list to set a positive mindset. Then, during your interactions, look for opportunities to put your affirmations into action.

For example:

If your affirmation is “I will trust other people to do their jobs,” actively delegate a task and express confidence in your teammate’s ability to handle it.
If your affirmation is “I will perform my job so that others can do theirs,” ensure your work is completed in a way that supports the team’s overall progress.

Afterward, reflect on how practicing your affirmations influenced your relationships and the team’s dynamic. Adjust your affirmations as needed to address new challenges or opportunities for growth.

Teamwork thrives on trust, respect, and collaboration. By embracing these values and working together toward shared goals, you help create a positive, thriving environment for everyone. Keep practicing—your efforts will make a real difference and lead to greater success for you and your team!

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Activity: Planning/Organizing

Leave a Comment / Activities, Skills / Sheri Smith

Creating a planning system is more than just organizing tasks—it’s about developing a framework that motivates, guides, and empowers you to manage time and priorities effectively. In today’s busy world, persuasion isn’t just for others; sometimes, it’s about persuading yourself to stay organized and committed.

This activity will help you design a customized system that aligns with your goals, using tools that fit your style. Dive in to create a personalized plan that turns ideas into action and transforms your approach to productivity!

The Goal

Create your own unique organization system that is uniquely tailored to you, which will organize your time, priorities, and workload into the perfect planning system

Step 1:

Create a planning system that works for you. For example, you can use existing phone apps, Post-It notes color coded for priority, or a diary-style planner that includes every single task that you must complete. You could also create a simple day-by-day to do list organized by priority from top to bottom. Whatever it is, make it the way you want it.

Note: It may be helpful to find other students who share your top DISC scores so that you can bounce ideas off of each other as you are working individually. Collaborating with those who think similarly can help you develop even better solutions.

Step 2:

Show a teacher or mentor your organization system and get their feedback. Also, consider ways you can integrate your plan into everyday life.

Note: If you are having a hard time coming up with an idea for creating your planning system, try creating a system to organize and plan just your homework or tasks for that given week. By making it more tangible, you will have something to work off of.

Remember that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to do this – you want to find a system that works for you.

Step 3:

Once you’ve put your planning system into action for a week or two, take time to reflect on its effectiveness. Ask yourself:

What worked well? Identify which aspects of your system helped you stay organized, motivated, and on track.
What didn’t work? Consider any areas where you felt overwhelmed, distracted, or unmotivated.
What can be improved? Look for ways to tweak or enhance your system to better suit your style and needs.

Adjusting and refining your planning system is essential as your goals, tasks, and priorities change. A flexible system is a successful one, so don’t be afraid to make changes that keep you aligned with your evolving aspirations and daily life.

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Activity: Personal Responsibility

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / Sheri Smith

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a strong sense of Personal Responsibility is essential for personal and professional success. Individuals with this mindset perform well even when expectations are unclear, resources are scarce, and competition is tough. They view the accomplishment of their goals as fundamental to their identity and consistently work towards these goals, regardless of obstacles.

Building your personal accountability “muscles” involves reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses, allowing for self-assessment and growth. As you engage in this activity, take the time to dig deeper into your experiences and motivations, unlocking valuable insights that can transform your approach to responsibility.

The Goal

Develop personal responsibility by reflecting on past experiences and assessing your strengths and weaknesses. This empowers you to take ownership of your actions and decisions, consistently pursuing goals even in challenging situations.

Step 1:

List three examples of times when you believe you displayed Personal Responsibility, why it was necessary to accept responsibility and how you felt about it.

Step 2:

Then, list three instances when you lacked personal responsibility, explain why it was important to demonstrate it, and describe how you felt at the time.

Step 3:

Based on the examples above, what area of your life are you going to consciously take more responsibility and how will that positively impact your life?

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How Indigo’s Motivators Align with the RIASEC Model and O*Net Resources

Leave a Comment / Motivators, Resources / Sheri Smith

At Indigo Education Company, we are committed to empowering individuals to discover their unique strengths, interests, and motivations, helping them make informed decisions about their career paths.

One of the most effective ways we do this is by integrating the six key motivators from our Interest and Work Values Assessment with the RIASEC (Holland’s Codes) model—a widely recognized framework used for career exploration. This alignment not only deepens the insights we provide but also connects users to valuable resources on the O*Net U.S. Department of Labor website, ensuring that the guidance they receive is both practical and rooted in comprehensive labor market data.

What is a RIASEC Model?

The RIASEC model, developed by psychologist John Holland, categorizes careers into six broad areas based on people’s interests and work environments:

Realistic – Hands-on, practical work (e.g., engineering, construction)
Investigative – Analytical, intellectual pursuits (e.g., science, research)
Artistic – Creative and expressive activities (e.g., design, writing)
Social – Helping others, interpersonal work (e.g., healthcare, teaching)
Enterprising – Leadership, persuasion, business (e.g., management, sales)
Conventional – Structured, detail-oriented tasks (e.g., administration, finance)

This model is a cornerstone of career guidance, offering a straightforward way to align personal interests with suitable career paths.

By connecting Indigo’s motivators to the well-established RIASEC model and leveraging the resources provided by O*Net, we empower users to explore and pursue careers that are both personally meaningful and aligned with the realities of the job market.

Aligning Indigo's Motivators with the RIASEC Model

Our six key motivators—Theoretical, Utilitarian, Individualistic, Traditional, Aesthetic, and Social—are derived from the pioneering research of Dr. Edward Spranger and Gordon Allport. These motivators encapsulate the core reasons individuals leverage their talents in uniquely distinct ways. Here’s how they align with the RIASEC model:

Theoretical (Desire for Knowledge)

Aligns with the Investigative category in RIASEC. Individuals motivated by Theoretical interests thrive in roles that require deep intellectual engagement, such as scientists, researchers, or analysts. These careers demand a love for learning and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge—characteristics that are central to the Investigative category.

Utilitarian (Practicality and Efficiency)

Matches the Realistic and Enterprising categories. People driven by Utilitarian motives are drawn to careers that offer tangible rewards and efficiency, such as engineering, technical trades, or business leadership. These roles often involve problem-solving, resource management, and practical application of skills.

Social (Service and Helping Others)

Directly corresponds with the Social category in RIASEC. Those with strong Social motivators are inclined towards careers where they can support, teach, or care for others, such as healthcare professionals, counselors, or educators. These careers are centered around interpersonal connections and the well-being of others.

Individualistic (Independence and Recognition)

Aligns with the Enterprising category. Individuals with a high Individualistic motivator often pursue leadership or entrepreneurial roles where they can assert their influence, take initiative, and achieve personal recognition. This aligns with careers in management, politics, or sales.

Aesthetic (Appreciation for Beauty and Harmony)

Connects with the Artistic category. Those who are aesthetically motivated are drawn to careers that allow for creativity, self-expression, and a focus on beauty, such as design, the arts, and literature. These roles require innovation and a deep appreciation for artistic endeavors.

Traditional (Values and Beliefs)

Resonates with the Conventional category. Individuals motivated by tradition prefer structured, orderly environments where they can uphold established practices and values. Careers in administration, finance, and clerical work often appeal to those who find satisfaction in maintaining systems and processes.

Leveraging O*Net Resources for Career Exploration

The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net website offers a wealth of resources that align with the RIASEC model, making it a valuable tool for anyone using Indigo’s Career Inventory Platform. By connecting directly with O*Net’s resources, we ensure that users can explore careers that match their motivators and RIASEC interests with real-world data on job outlooks, salary ranges, and required skills.

How to Use O*Net Resources:

Explore Careers by RIASEC Code: O*Net allows users to explore careers based on their RIASEC code. For example, if your Indigo assessment highlights a high Theoretical motivator, you can use O*Net to find Investigative careers that match this interest. Visit O*Net’s Interest Profiler to get started.
Detailed Job Descriptions: Once you’ve identified a potential career, O*Net provides detailed descriptions of job roles, including the skills required, tasks performed, and the work environment. This helps users make informed decisions about whether a career aligns with their strengths and motivators.
Education and Training: O*Net also offers information on the education and training needed for different careers. This is particularly useful for CTE students who are planning their educational pathways. Check out O*Net’s Education and Training page.
Connect to Labor Market Data: O*Net integrates labor market information, giving users insight into job demand, salary expectations, and employment trends in their chosen field. This data is essential for planning a sustainable career path. Access labor market data here.

By aligning Indigo’s six key motivators with the RIASEC model and integrating these with O*Net resources, we offer a robust, research-based approach to career exploration. This strategic alignment not only helps individuals understand their unique motivations but also connects them to real-world opportunities that match their strengths and interests. Whether you’re a student beginning your career journey or a professional looking to pivot, this comprehensive approach ensures that your career choices are both informed and fulfilling.

Explore the Indigo Career Inventory Platform today and discover how your motivations can guide you to a career that’s not only aligned with who you are but also supported by the latest labor market insights.

References:

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Activity: Presenting

Leave a Comment / Activities, Skills / Sheri Smith

Presenting is a skill that blends preparation, self-awareness, and the ability to connect with your audience. Every great presenter started somewhere, and with each presentation, you’ll refine your approach and grow more confident.

Giving a compelling presentation is about more than just speaking in front of others—it’s about connecting with your audience and delivering your message with confidence and clarity.

In this activity, you'll gain insights into building powerful presentations, identify your strengths, and pinpoint areas for growth. Get ready to elevate your next presentation and communicate like a pro!

The Goal

Great presentations require planning, and experienced presenters know how to structure the presentation.

Step 1:

Read the article, “8 Tips for Giving a Presentation Like a Pro”

Step 2:

As you read, note tips that stand out to you as most helpful. For each tip, identify a strength and a need you feel you have as a presenter.

Step 3:

Identify two most important next steps you will take to assure your next presentation has power and impact.

Take what you’ve learned here and apply it to your next opportunity to present. Whether it’s in a classroom, boardroom, or online meeting, your ability to communicate with clarity and impact will set you apart. Remember, the key to presenting like a pro lies in thoughtful preparation and the courage to keep improving.

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Activity: Persuasion

Leave a Comment / Activities, Skills / Sheri Smith

Persuasion is more than just convincing someone—it's about understanding perspectives, fostering connections, and gently guiding others toward new ideas. Whether you’re looking to sway opinions, encourage new behaviors, or make impactful connections, persuasion is a skill that empowers you to leave a lasting influence.

This activity takes you from understanding persuasion’s foundations to actively practicing it in real-life scenarios. Get ready to uncover how to harness persuasion in ways that resonate and inspire others!

The Goal

Persuasion is the ability to convince others to change the way they think, believe, or act. Learning the skill of persuasion will allow you to influence others now and in the future.

Step 1:

Read the article “Influencing: Learning How To Use The Skill of Persuasion”. Focus on understanding key concepts and strategies.

Step 2:

After reading, write down the five most valuable insights you would share with someone eager to learn about persuasion.

Five Most Important Ideas to Teach Someone Else

Idea #1:

Idea #2:

Idea #3:

Idea #4:

Idea #5:

Step 3:

Practice applying these insights by trying to persuade someone—a friend or even a stranger. Start with something simple, like suggesting a favorite restaurant, recommending a color to wear, or inviting someone out for ice cream. Once you see your persuasive self in action, you can begin experimenting with more challenging topics.

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Activity: People Advocacy

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / Sheri Smith

In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, understanding and practicing people advocacy is more crucial than ever. At the heart of effective advocacy is the ability to truly listen and comprehend the stories of those around us.

We all have unique stories, both of our own personal life and that of our ancestors. When we fully hear and understand each other’s stories, we know how to better advocate from a cultural and meaningful point of view.

The Goal

To develop the skills needed to advocate for others by first learning to understand their stories. This storytelling exercise is a valuable practice not only for people advocacy, but also empathy, interpersonal skills, decision making, and leadership.

Step 1:

Write how you would tell your story from the perspective of land, people, and values. You can write solely from your experiences growing up or draw on what you know of your ancestors.

Step 2:

Find a partner or someone you’d like to get to know better and share your story to them from these perspectives. Have them relate their story as well.

Step 3:

After you both share, reflect back to each other the following:

When I was listening to your story, the parts that stood out to me were …

Because of your story, you bring the following gifts/perspectives to the world…

Step 4:

Write a reflection on how knowing other’s stories can help you to better understand, support, and advocate for them in the future.

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