At the start of your CliftonStrengths journey? This 3 min CliftonStrengths factsheet explains how Strengths help you, help your team, as well as its background, principles and purpose.
1. What is CliftonStrengths?
CliftonStrengths is a personal development tool created by Gallup to identify your natural talents and turn them into strengths you can apply to your work and personal life. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, CliftonStrengths empowers you to leverage what you naturally do best.
2. A brief history of CliftonStrengths
• It was founded by Dr. Donald Clifton, a psychologist and researcher, CliftonStrengths was developed to answer a fundamental question: “What would happen if we studied what’s right with people instead of what’s wrong?”
• Over decades of research, Dr. Clifton and his team at Gallup developed this strengths-based approach, which led to the creation of the CliftonStrengths assessment. Today, it’s used worldwide by millions of people to harness their unique talents.
3. Why CliftonStrengths came about
• The Purpose: CliftonStrengths was developed to help people understand and build on their natural talents, as Dr. Clifton recognized that people are more successful when they focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.
• Supporting Teams and Organisations: Gallup’s research shows that strengths-based development improves engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction, creating positive outcomes in both personal and professional settings.
4. What are Strengths?
Strengths are the outcome of talents that have been developed and refined through practice. The CliftonStrengths assessment identifies 34 distinct “Talent Themes” that represent the ways we naturally think, feel, and behave.
These 34 themes are grouped into four domains:
Executing: Making things happen and turning ideas into reality.
Influencing: Inspiring others and taking charge when needed.
Relationship Building: Connecting with others and strengthening team bonds.
Strategic Thinking: Absorbing and analyzing information to inform decisions.
5. Why is CliftonStrengths helpful?
• Fosters Self-Awareness: By knowing your strengths, you can understand and maximise your natural talents.
• Enhances Teamwork: Recognising each team member’s unique strengths allows for better collaboration and helps everyone contribute meaningfully.
• Improves Engagement: People who use their strengths regularly feel more motivated and connected to their work.
• Encourages Growth and Development: CliftonStrengths gives you a path for personal and professional development focused on amplifying what you already do well.
6. Key CliftonStrengths principles
• Focus on Strengths: Success and satisfaction come from developing strengths rather than fixing weaknesses.
• Everyone Has Unique Talents: Each person has a unique combination of strengths that, when embraced, can make a meaningful impact.
• Developing Strengths Requires Practice: Turning a talent into a strength takes intentional effort, practice, and opportunities to apply it in different situations.
• Strengths Are a Pathway to Growth: Growth happens best when we work in areas aligned with our natural talents and feel a sense of accomplishment.
A few fascinating facts...
30+ million people have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment
5,000 people a day take a CliftonStrengths assessment
CliftonStrengths is available in 20 languages - with more planned in the future
The chance someone has your same top 5 in any order is 1 in 278,256
The chance someone has your same top 5 in the same order is 1 in 33.39 million
If you retake the assessment, usually 4 out of your top 5 will often be the same
Still got a question?
Do drop me a line or book a free chat and let's discover what makes you, and your team, exceptional. I'll also add your question (and it's answer) to this CliftonStrengths Factsheet :)
About the author Hi I'm Lacey, a CliftonStrengths coach based in New Zealand. I'm passionate about helping managers and teams thrive, not just survive.
I'm also a creative introvert, wife, mum and an avid fan of both exercise and donuts! If you're keen to begin or continue your CliftonStrengths journey, drop me a line or book a free chat
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