Unlocking your natural strengths through using Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment is one of the most powerful ways to deepen self-awareness and enhance your personal success.
One of the greatest decisions I made for my personal growth was to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment. There are so many different personal assessments out there but this tool is one of the best; not only because of the long-history of research behind it but because it resonates so profoundly with me and my clients.
More than 31 million people across the world have completed the CliftonStrengths assessment, which speaks to its resonance!
Based on trait-theory, the CliftonStrengths assessment measures human talent. It reveals up to 34 different terms and descriptions which summarizes what you are naturally good at.
At Hughes Coaching & Consulting, we are certified to administer the assessment for one-on-one coaching, and for facilitating groups and teams. We have used the tool with a number of clients who have expressed great value in knowing and understanding their strengths.
Here are a few points of information about the assessment and how to use it.
What is the CliftonStrengths assessment?
CliftonStrengths is an online assessment which helps you to discover what you naturally do best and how to develop your talents into strengths.
The assessment is built on decades of research stemming from the field of positive psychology that suggests that the more you understand AND apply your natural talents, the more likely you are to live a successful life and experience well-being.
It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. The tool features 177 questions which ask you to choose how a specific statement best describes you. The questions are timed so you can’t overthink your choices and instead, select your ‘gut reaction.’ Once you’ve completed the assessment, you get your results right away using the Gallup website’s user-friendly and detailed dashboard.
You have your own username and password which comes with lifetime access to several different reports, suggestions for development, and informative articles.
What does the CliftonStrengths assessment actually reveal?
The CliftonStrength assessment measures your natural talent in 34 different groupings called “Signature Themes” and presents them sequentially from 1 to 34.
Although you only complete the assessment once, you have the option to choose what type of report you want. For example, you can choose to see only the basic “top five” strengths report or the full-34 report. You can also choose a different report based on whether you are a student, a leader, or a manager.
Each report lists the name of at least your top five Signature Themes, followed by a personalized description defining the theme and showcasing its benefits.
Each of the 34 Signature Themes are also mapped into four different domains of leadership strengths: Executing, Relationship Building, Influencing, and Strategic Thinking. The more themes you have in one of these areas dictate our natural leadership style. For example, I have five “relationship building” themes in my top ten themes, so this is my most dominant leadership domain.
OK, but how do you actually apply your strengths once you know them?
In your personalized report, there are specific sections suggesting action steps you can take to transform your natural talent into strengths. Gallup defines strength as “the near perfect performance of a given talent” which suggests that it takes time and investment to make the most of what comes naturally to you. For example, if you are talented in Communication but you don’t have the opportunity to learn more or practice this skill set, then it won’t become a true strength.
It is not easy to identify ways to develop and apply your strengths from the report only. That is why I recommend strengths-based coaching as a perfect vehicle for people seeking to learn more about their talents and how to use them.
Are you ready to learn more about your natural talents and how to apply them?
Register for a free 30-minute consulting session with Hughes Coaching & Consulting today to discover your strengths and how to maximize them for personal success and well-being!