How do I keep the CliftonStrengths conversation alive?
- laceyblass
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
CliftonStrengths isn’t a “one and done” workshop. It’s a tool you can return to again and again, uncovering new insights about yourself and your team each time. For anyone wanting to know what a CliftonStrengths journey can continue to look like...
If you’ve ever thought, “That was great, but what now? How do we keep this alive?” — you’re not alone. The good news is there are practical, energizing ways to bring strengths back into focus.
Here are three proven approaches I recommend to re-engage your team with their CliftonStrengths:
Quarterly “Balance the Volume” Reflections
Every time your team sets a new priority, it’s an opportunity to realign how individual talents can contribute. A quarterly “Balance the Volume” reflection helps team members consider where they might intentionally “turn up” or “turn down” their strengths for the season ahead.
For example:
Is your team aiming to grow influence across sectors?
Or focusing inward on communication and collaboration?
Whatever the goal, each person should reflect on how their talents show up in that context. The “Balance the Volume” tool asks three simple but powerful questions:
Which of my talents can I use more of right now?
Which talents am I using well?
Which talents might be getting in the way or frustrating others?
This reflection helps individuals align their natural talents with team needs in a way that feels authentic for them and beneficial for the group.
Want help setting your team’s quarterly focus or guiding this reflection? I’d love to facilitate a two-hour session designed to do just that.
All34 Coaching for your Managers
Managers set the tone for how (and whether) strengths stay alive on a team. When managers understand and use their own talents, they naturally invite others to do the same.
The most sustainable strengths-based teams I’ve worked with invest in having their managers complete an All 34 CliftonStrengths report and receive individualized coaching.
Why? Two reasons:
Management is tough. Coaching provides meaningful support.
Upskilled leaders upskill teams. Managers who lean into their strengths inspire their people to do the same.
A coaching check-in typically centers around:
What’s going well, and how does this connect to your strengths?
What challenges are you facing, and what strengths can help?
What do you want to try differently going forward?
Gallup’s research is clear: strong managers are a game changer. Investing here multiplies impact across the whole team.
Strength spotting in one another
When was the last time your team intentionally recognized each other’s talents? Strengths spotting is one of the simplest — yet most powerful — ways to keep energy and connection alive.
Here’s a quick, repeatable process:
Display each person’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths (whiteboard, poster, digital board — whatever works).
Go one by one, giving each team member a turn.
Spend 3 minutes writing on sticky notes where you’ve seen their strengths in action.
Share 1–2 reflections aloud, then leave the notes with the individual.
This activity creates a ripple effect of affirmation and connection. At our core, people want to be seen and understood — and CliftonStrengths offers a beautiful lens to make that happen.
Keep the Conversation Alive
The CliftonStrengths tool is meant to be lived with, not left behind. Whether through structured reflection, focused coaching, or peer-to-peer recognition, these practices keep strengths at the center of your culture — where they can make the biggest impact.
Curious which of these approaches would be most valuable for your team right now? Book a free chat with me and let’s find the right next step together.
To recap
3 ways to keep the CliftonStrengths conversation alive:
Quarterly “Balance the Volume” Reflections Help team members intentionally dial talents up or down to match current priorities.
All 34 Coaching for Managers Equip managers with deeper self-awareness and coaching so they model and sustain strengths-based culture.
Strengths Spotting in One Another Regularly recognize and affirm each other’s talents to build connection and keep CliftonStrengths alive.
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 doughnuts! If you're keen to begin or continue your CliftonStrengths journey, drop me a line or book a free chat
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