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Unpacking Your CliftonStrengths

Below, you'll find information, resources, and practices to get the most out of your CliftonStrengths Assessment.

Debriefing Your Assessment

Here we'll break down your CliftonStrengths 34 Report. I often tell folks, whether you've read your report 10x or never looked at it before... we'll use this debrief as a starting point. When you understand the compass, you explore infinitely. Together, we'll gain a better understanding of you and how to use your strengths to make meaningful progress in your life. 

 

Start here 👇

 

Why I love the CliftonStrengths

The StrengthsFinder assessment has been one of my favorites to use with clients in my personal practice. I have also seen - time and time again - its profound impact on being able to articulate the unique abilities a coach brings to their work. Gallup, the leadership analytics organization and administrator of the CliftonStrengths assessment, notes that individuals who identify and understand their strengths are… 

  • 6x as likely to be engaged at work
  • 7.8% more productive in their role
  • 3x as likely to have an excellent quality of life
  • 6x as likely to do what they do best every day

Here are couple of my favorite facts about the assessment: 

  • The assessment has been taken over 29 million times
  • The chances of somebody having the same top-five strengths as you is one and 33 million
  • There is high test-retest reliability. Meaning that if you take the test now and then take these test again in a couple of years, it will remain the same.

You will get your results emailed to you immediately. As you review your assessment, begin to answer the following questions: 

  • What is your first reaction to the report? Which talent among your top five resonates with you most, and why? 
  • Did any part surprise you? Did you expect to see a particular talent higher/lower? 
  • Are any of your signature talents (top 10) a stretch in terms of understanding them or seeing them in yourself?  

Strengths-Based Practices

Here are some of my favorite practices you can take on to deepen your experience. 

  • Share your strengths with colleagues/loved ones. Request they reflect and offer feedback when you're in the flow of one of your strengths. 
  • Save your 34 Report to your desktop or print it out and put it somewhere you will see it frequently. We can't use our strengths intentionally if we can't remember them! Consider integrating it into your iOS. 
  • Apply your strengths to your goals. Think of each strength like a contact lens and consider how this strength would approach the goal uniquely. 
  • Print and post your top 5 Strengths big and bold
  • Notice people, circumstances, and things from the vantage point of your Strengths
  • List where you are sabotaging your Strengths. List where you are expressing your Strengths
  • Share your Strengths. Notice what shows up. 
  • Journal: what do you see possible from living life through your Strengths?

Strengths Tree Exercise

 Purpose: The purpose of this thought exercise is to help you gain a deeper understanding of your top five strengths. By exploring the definition, story, application, and blind spots of each strength, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of your unique abilities and how to leverage them effectively.

Materials Needed: 

Instructions:

Step 1: Identify Your Top Five Strengths
Before starting the exercise, make sure you have completed a strengths assessment such as the CliftonStrengths or any other assessment tool that provides you with a list of your top strengths.

Step 2: Select a Strength to Begin
Choose one of your top five strengths to focus on for this exercise. You will repeat the following steps for each strength individually.

Step 3: Define the Strength
Write down a concise definition of the chosen strength. Reflect on what this strength means to you and how it manifests in your life.

Step 4: Tell the Story
Think about a specific situation or experience where you remember using this strength effectively. Write a brief story or anecdote describing that experience. Include details about how you applied your strength and the positive outcomes it brought.

Step 5: Explore the Application
Consider different areas of your life, such as work, personal relationships, hobbies, or community involvement. Reflect on how you can apply this strength in each area to enhance your performance, relationships, or overall well-being. Write down specific ideas or strategies for each area.

Step 6: Identify Blind Spots
No strength is without its limitations. Reflect on the potential blind spots or challenges associated with this strength. Consider situations where relying too heavily on this strength may lead to negative outcomes or hinder your growth. Write down any blind spots you identify.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 3-6 for Each Strength

Step 8: Reflect and Synthesize
After completing the exercise for all five strengths, take a step back and review your findings. Look for patterns or connections between the strengths. Consider how these strengths complement or contrast with each other. Reflect on how you can leverage these strengths collectively to maximize your potential.

Step 9: Take Action
Use the insights gained from this exercise to take action in your daily life. Incorporate your strengths consciously and intentionally into your work, relationships, and personal development. Seek opportunities to further develop and refine your strengths.

Get Your Strengths Tree Template