Digging into Strengths
What even *is* the CliftonStrengths assessment?
The Strengths assessment can make a huge impact on individual and team engagement and performance, but – what even is it?
It's had several different names (you may have heard it called "StrengthsFinder" or "StrengthsQuest") but the current official name is "CliftonStrengths." The assessment takes about 30 minutes to complete and consists of 177 paired statements. You pick which of the statements most resonates with you.
Immediately afterward, you receive a "Strengths Report.”. Through over 28 million assessments, Gallup has identified 34 Strengths and their associated behavioral characteristics. Your report will either show your Top 5 Strengths or a whole list of all 34, in the order they show up for you.
This is where the magic happens – for most people, the paragraph-long descriptions of the Strengths are uncannily accurate – you’ll nod along to details about how you approach problems and interact with others, and how you “get things done” in the workplace.
Many people aren't even aware of these "superpowers" – the things we're uncommonly good at. Before taking the assessment, you may even consider your top strength a liability – someone whose top strength is "Empathy" might be frustrated that he's extra aware of how others are feeling, or someone with "Input" at the top might find herself falling down research rabbit holes and feel frustrated at "wasting time."
But the Strengths assessment helps reframe these experiences by showing the value-add of these strengths and how they contribute to success at work (and life). You get a vocabulary to describe how your approach sets you apart.
This awareness can be huge – you'll start to see examples of your strengths showing up everywhere you do – at work and at play. You'll notice which activities are energizing, and which are draining. You'll see the differences in how others show up – especially if you do this activity with a larger team. You'll better appreciate *why* your colleague approaches a challenge totally differently from you. You may start seeking out other perspectives to complement yours.
You'll gain greater confidence as you spend more of your time doing what you're good at. More confidence leads to better results. Everyone wins.