Understanding CliftonStrengths and StrengthsFinder

Common Misconception

• People often think the assessment gives them their strengths directly.
• Results show talent themes, not strengths.

Four Key Points Discussed

1. Origins of the Assessment
2. A Different Way to Think About It
3. Examples of Talents and Strengths
4. Importance of Understanding This

Origins of the Assessment

• Gallup conducted decades of interviews and research.
• Identified thousands of individual talents.
• Categorized talents into 34 talent themes.
• Talent Themes: Predominant patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior.

Talents vs. Strengths

• Talent: Naturally recurring patterns that can be productively applied.
• Strength: Something done well consistently and energizes you.
• Gallup's Approach: Start with a talent -> Develop it into a strength.

Kitchen Analogy

• Talent themes are like raw ingredients (e.g., eggs).
• Strengths are the end products (e.g., recipes like omelets, cakes).
• Combining multiple talents (theme dynamics) can create a variety of outcomes.

Examples of Talents and Strengths

Empathy

• Talent: Sensing others' feelings.
• Strengths: Attentive listeners, good consolers, conscientious caregivers.
• Less Obvious Strength: Relentless investigator driven by empathy.

Ideation

• Talent: Fascinated by ideas, finding connections.
• Strengths: Brainstormers, identifying untapped resources, innovative.
• Less Obvious Strength: Inspiring speaker introducing new possibilities.

Three Major Points

1. Raw Materials (Talent Themes): Identify and recognize your talents.
2. Individuality: Talent theme combinations are unique; approach activities differently.
3. Explore Talent Themes: Identify and develop your strengths; express them uniquely.

Importance in Real-Life Context

• Differentiating yourself in interviews or discussions.
• Detailed description of how you solve problems can set you apart.

Additional Resources

• Free "Talents in Action" class offered.
• Encouragement to engage with comments or questions.
• Link provided for further learning.

Conclusion

• Understanding the distinction between talents and strengths is crucial.
• Use talents to identify and develop strengths.
• Individual expression of talent themes leads to unique strengths.