Many people interested in learning more about their skills ask themselves: What is the CliftonStrengths assessment? How can it potentially benefit me? Why should I take this test, and how does it compare to others on the web? With the wide array of questions about this assessment, many individuals become confused. Some may even put off taking it, or begin to wonder if it is truly worth the time. As such, you should not overlook this assessment. Rather, you should be open to learning more about this opportunity to gain an inside view into your strengths.
In this article, we will present you with what the CliftonStrengths test is, how it works, themes, how to use it and why it is important – a complete CliftonStrengths guide.
What is the CliftonStrengths online ralent assessment (formerly StrengthsFinder)?
There are thousands of online personality and strengths tests available on the market. However, one that has stood the test of time and is backed by a significant amount of research is the CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment. The CliftonStrengths assessment is one of the numerous strengths-related tests offered by Gallup. It is based on decades of research done by world-renowned psychologist Dr. Donald O. Clifton.
The test works by asking you a series of questions relating to your top strengths. These questions could be ranking questions (to see what you are most likely to do) or questions that ask you about your beliefs, your behaviors, and many other factors that could reveal your strengths. There are numerous benefits that come along with taking this assessment as well. Among the benefits of taking the assessment is getting an in-depth analysis of your strengths. You will see your top 5 strengths and better understand key aspects of your personality. This will allow you to begin a journey of self-improvement and help you with implementing a strength-based approach to growth.
How does CliftonStrengths work?
The CliftonStrengths test works by asking individuals a series of questions relating to their strengths. These questions could be about your general personality, how you prioritize tasks, how you work with others, and many other strengths-related topics. From there, they will compare your answers to a list of potential strengths. Your answers will be associated with different strengths, and your answers will be tallied in the end to determine which strengths dominate your strengths profile.
There are a total of 34 strength themes that the test will compare your answers to. Each of these strength themes represents a distinct type of skill, such as critical thinking or empathy. However, Gallup also categorizes these domains. These can be viewed as more general categories of similar strength types. Below, we discuss the specifics of these 4 main strength domains, and after that is a list of 34 strength themes.
CliftonStrengths’ 4 domains of strengths explained
Let’s now explore the four strength domains of the StrengthsFinder categories in more detail.
Strategic thinking strengths
Finally, the Strategic Thinking domain includes themes like Analytical, Context, Futuristic, Ideation, and Input.
People with these strengths enjoy conceptualizing ideas and solving complex problems through creative solutions and strategic planning. They tend to be imaginative but also practical in their approach to problem-solving.
Influencing strengths
The Influencing domain includes themes related to communication and persuasion, such as Communication, Activator, Command, Competition, Empathy, Self-Expression, and Woo.
People who exhibit these strengths are often natural leaders or team players, as they excel at influencing others through their words or actions.
Executing strengths
The Executing domain consists of themes that involve achieving and completing tasks, such as Achiever, Responsibility, Self-Assurance, Significance, and Maximizer. Individuals with strong Executing strengths are driven by results and tend to be very efficient and organized when executing projects or assignments.
Relationship building strengths
The Relationship Building domain consists of themes that involve forging relationships and creating connections, such as Developer, Harmony, Includer, Individualization, Adaptability, and Relator.
Individuals with solid relationship-building strengths typically understand others’ needs and form meaningful relationships with those around them.
List of CliftonStrengths’ 34 themes and their explanations
Here’s an alphabetical list of all 34 StrengthsFinder themes, including a brief description of each:
Achiever
Individuals with this strength are driven to accomplish goals and complete tasks.
Activator
People with this strength can take action quickly and turn ideas into reality.
Adaptability
Those with this strength can easily adjust to new situations and environments.
Analytical
Individuals with this theme can dissect complex problems and identify solutions.
Arranger
People with this strength enjoy organizing things logically and efficiently.
Belief
This is the internal conviction that something is valid or essential, regardless of external evidence or opinion.
Command
These individuals naturally lead others and take charge of situations when necessary.
Communication
This involves being an effective listener and a confident speaker.
Competition
People with this strength seek to outdo others and are often highly competitive.
Connectedness
This is the recognition of the relationships between ideas and events.
Context
Those with this strength deeply understand how things fit into larger systems or patterns.
Deliberative
These individuals are careful when making decisions and consider every option before acting.
Developer
People with this strength can recognize the potential in others and help them grow to reach it.
Discipline
Individuals with this theme adhere to rules and responsibilities without fail.
Empathy
This involves understanding another person’s feelings from their perspective.
Fairness
People with this strength have a strong sense of justice and strive to treat everyone fairly.
Focus
Individuals with this strength can concentrate on one task and stay on track.
Futuristic
People with this theme think ahead and always look for ways to improve the future.
Harmony
These individuals seek peaceful resolutions and strive to unite people.
Ideation
Those who possess this strength find it easy to generate new ideas quickly and easily.
Inclusiveness
People with this theme ensure that no one is left out or forgotten about.
Individualization
This theme involves understanding how each person’s unique qualities contribute to the group.
Input
Individuals with this strength enjoy gathering information and facts from various sources.
Intellection
This is the capacity for abstract thought, deep contemplation, and complex problem-solving.
Learner
People with this strength are constantly developing their knowledge and skills.
Maximizer
These individuals strive to make the best use of resources, time, and talent.
Positivity
Individuals with this theme maintain a positive outlook on life and look for the good in people and situations.
Related
People with this strength establish strong relationships quickly and can read others’ emotions accurately.
Responsibility
Those who possess this strength take ownership of their actions and accept blame and praise graciously.
Restorative
Individuals with this theme can quickly identify problems and find creative solutions.
Self-assurance
People with this strength have confidence in their abilities and trust their judgment
Significance
These individuals seek opportunities to make an impact and be recognized for their achievements.
Strategic
Individuals with this strength can plan effectively, anticipate obstacles, and develop contingencies.
Woo
People with this theme thrive when interacting with others; they often excel at networking, sales, or public relations.
Benefits of taking the CliftonStrengths test
Here are the main benefits of knowing what elements lie in the StrengthsFinder assessment (along with its themes) to gain insight into your strengths.
Place people in the right roles
One of the key benefits of the StrengthsFinder test is that it can help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses to place themselves or others in appropriate roles.
By understanding what they excel at and which tasks they tend to struggle with, individuals can better match their skills and abilities with a role that suits them.
Promote positive coaching
Another benefit of the StrengthsFinder test is that it can help to create positive coaching relationships between individuals and their managers.
By allowing them to identify where they need assistance, managers are better able to give helpful feedback that will help enhance an individual’s performance and progress in their role.
Individualize management
Using the StrengthsFinder test can also help managers to individualize management for each employee rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. By understanding an employee’s strengths and weaknesses, managers can tailor tasks and goals to suit each person’s unique abilities.
This type of customized management can better incentivize and motivate employees, as well as improve overall performance in the workplace.
Facilitate collaboration
The StrengthsFinder test allows teams to collaborate with members of different departments or roles. By helping team members identify one another’s strengths, they can better understand how to work together best and leverage each other’s unique abilities. This cooperative team dynamic can help cultivate a more productive and efficient work environment.
Improve self-awareness
Finally, the StrengthsFinder test can be a valuable tool for improving self-awareness and understanding among individuals in the workplace.
By taking the assessment, individuals can gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses and learn how to apply them most effectively. This reflection can increase confidence in one’s abilities and personal growth.
Top 5 vs. CliftonStrengths 34: What’s the difference?
When taking the CliftonStrengths assessment, you will typically be presented with two main reporting options: the Top 5 (often called Signature Themes) and the full CliftonStrengths 34 report. Many individuals are unsure which option is best for them, and understanding the distinction can help you make a more informed decision.
Both reports are based on the same assessment. The difference lies not in the questions you answer, but in the depth of insight you receive.
Top 5 (Signature Themes)
The Top 5 report reveals your five strongest talent themes. These represent the patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that come most naturally to you. Because these themes are the most dominant, they tend to influence your daily decisions, communication style, and work habits more than the others.
This option is designed for clarity and simplicity. For many first-time users, understanding their top five themes provides enough insight to begin applying a strengths-based approach to personal growth and career development.
The Top 5 report typically includes:
- A ranked list of your five strongest themes
- Descriptions of each theme
- Basic guidance on how to apply those strengths
In terms of cost, the Top 5 option is the more affordable version of the assessment. The price is typically around $19.99 USD, making it an accessible starting point for individuals who want meaningful insight without a larger financial commitment.
For individuals who want a practical starting point without being overwhelmed by too much information, this option is often sufficient.
CliftonStrengths 34
The CliftonStrengths 34 report provides a complete ranking of all 34 talent themes. Instead of only seeing your strongest five, you will understand how every theme compares within your profile—from most dominant to least dominant.
This broader perspective can offer deeper insight into how your talents interact. For example, two individuals may share the same top strength, but their overall ranking of the remaining themes may create very different behavior patterns. Seeing the full ranking helps explain blind spots, talent combinations, and potential growth areas.
The CliftonStrengths 34 report generally includes:
- A full ranking of all 34 themes
- Greater insight into theme dynamics
- Expanded development suggestions
- Domain-level analysis
Because this version offers significantly more detail and reporting depth, it is priced higher. The CliftonStrengths 34 upgrade typically costs an additional $39.99 USD, bringing the total to approximately $59.99 USD for the complete report.
This version is often recommended for leaders, managers, coaches, and individuals who are serious about long-term development and team application.
Which Option Should You Choose?
If you are new to strengths-based development and simply want to understand what you naturally do best, the Top 5 report may provide enough clarity to begin applying your strengths immediately. However, if you are interested in deeper self-awareness, leadership development, or team-based application, the CliftonStrengths 34 report offers a more comprehensive view of your talent profile.
In simple terms, the Top 5 answers the question:
“What are my strongest talents?”
The CliftonStrengths 34 report answers the broader question:
“How do all of my talents work together?”
Both options can be valuable. The right choice depends on how deeply you wish to explore your strengths and how you plan to apply them moving forward.
How to use your results
There are a couple of ways you can use and utilize your CliftonStrengths results. Some of them are:
- listing your strengths on a resume
- use for ongoing personal development
- use for professional development
- use for career exploration
List CliftonStrengths’ strengths on a resume
When listing your StrengthsFinder results on a resume, including specific examples of how you have used each strength can be helpful. For example, suppose you have an Analytical theme. In that case, you could write something like “Utilized analytical skills to develop creative solutions for complex problems” or “Performed research and data analysis to improve team efficiency.”
This will help demonstrate to potential employers that you have used your strengths to achieve success in the workplace. Understanding and using your StrengthsFinder results can make you more successful in life and work. Knowing which strengths are most important to you and how to use them best will help give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.
By leveraging your unique gifts and talents, you can set yourself up for success no matter what field or industry you pursue.
Use it for professional growth
The knowledge of the CliftonStrengths themes can also contribute to long-term professional growth. For instance, knowing what motivates you most can inform which courses or workshops would best suit continuing education needs; this will expand one’s current skill sets and provide an opportunity for future career success.
Ultimately, understanding how each strength contributes to achieving positive outcomes at work will enable individuals to maximize their potential in any profession they choose.
Use it for career exploration
Knowing your top strengths from the StrengthsFinder assessment can also be a powerful tool in helping you find job opportunities that match your talents and interests. By understanding your strengths, you can identify job roles where these strengths can be used to help you succeed. Additionally, employers often use StrengthsFinder results as part of their recruitment process, so familiarity with the assessment and its outcomes can give you an edge when applying for roles.
Knowledge of StrengthsFinder themes can help you develop a career plan tailored to your talents and interests. For example, if two of your top five strengths are Activator and Achiever, pursuing roles in project management or start-up environments may be beneficial. Similarly, if Significance and Analytical are two of your most vital traits, market research analyst or data scientist positions may be more suitable for you.
In addition to helping with career planning and job search strategies, understanding which strengths are most important to you can also increase your effectiveness in the workplace. Explaining how each power contributes to successful outcomes at work makes it easier to negotiate higher salaries or bonuses based on the value created through utilizing these skills.
Knowing which tasks you enjoy and what motivates you best can help you set goals that align with these preferences and achieve better results over time. It also allows for better communication between you and your employer.
Pros and cons of the CliftonStrengths assessment
There are many benefits that come along with taking the CliftonStrengths. It is one of the most unique tests available on the web and has a strong backing of science (especially from Dr. Donald Clifton and his psychology team). However, every test also has its drawbacks. The same is true with the Clifton Strengths test. Therefore, it is crucial for you to understand both the pros and cons of the test before you take it. Below, we discuss this in detail.
Pros
If you decide to take the CliftonStrengths test, you will gain a plethora of benefits. The test is highly in-depth and is recognized as one of the best assessments for specific strength information. A few of the other benefits and pros that come along with taking the assessment include:
- Greater confidence from knowing your strengths.
- Being able to make decisions more quickly and with greater accuracy.
- Performing better in interviews due to a greater understanding of your abilities.
- Becoming a better leader who can recognize the importance of everyone else’s strengths as well as their own.
- Increased passion for your work.
- More productivity and focus thanks to recognizing your abilities.
- Inspiring others to also use the strengths-based growth approach, which helps the entire team.
Cons
As with any other strengths assessment, the CliftonStrengths test is not perfect. There are a few flaws that you should be aware of when taking the assessment. However, you should not let these flaws prevent you from taking this crucially important test. Simply keep them in mind after analyzing your results. These few cons include:
- Overlooking your weaknesses.
- Not getting a full picture of your overall personality.
- Not getting an in-depth assessment of all your strengths (the test only presents you with 5).
- Becoming too confident could lead to you taking unnecessary risks in your work.
- Some consider the test results to be inaccurate and the test itself to be unscientific.
Is the CliftonStrengths test a personality test?
CliftonStrengths is not exactly a personality test. It is a strengths test. Nonetheless, strengths are intertwined with your personality in some ways. Therefore, when you take the CliftonStrengths test, you will get to learn more about your personality as well. For example, consider some of the potential results from the CliftonStrengths test. Suppose someone gets empathy as one of their top strengths, and their dominate strengths domain was relationship building. These results focus on strengths, but empathy is also a personality trait. You use empathy in your personal, non-work-related activities as well.
In essence, the CliftonStrengths test is more of a strength development and improvement tool rather than a personality test. It will not test your weaknesses or values directly, which are both key parts of your personality. Therefore, you should take the test with the intention of learning about your strengths specifically, not your overall personality.
For whom is the CliftonStrengths assessment for?
The CliftonStrengths test has been taken by millions of people across the globe. Each of these individuals has a unique story and a unique reason for taking the assessment. Anyone who is interested in learning more about their strengths, wants to improve themselves, and is interested in utilizing a strength-based approach to growth should take this assessment. If you have recently been fired or have been having a hard time staying productive and passionate during the workday, then this test could be especially useful for you. You may be overlooking your many strengths and being filled with negative emotions.
Taking this test can boost your confidence and positivity. It can assist you in performing better in interviews, as you will know how to highlight your top abilities. Additionally, this test is especially important for students and young people, as well as new employees. These individuals typically do not have a strong understanding of their career goals, and even themselves as a person. Thus, it is crucially important to understand your top qualities to ensure you feel emotionally stable and know how to perform your best in your career. Taking the test could even help you with choosing a career.
How accurate is the CliftonStrengths model?
Many individuals think that a test like CliftonStrengths is too good to be true, and they doubt its scientific accuracy. There is some debate within the psychology community on the efficacy and accuracy of assessments like the CliftonStrengths test. However, many researchers have voiced support for the test. First, it is crucial to remember that the test what a scientific development. It was based on decades of research performed by Dr. Donald O. Clifton (a widely respected expert in psychology) and his team.
From there, millions of people have taken the test, and hundreds of thousands of positive reviews have been left to Gallup. Thus, it is clear that people are viewing the test as helpful and accurate. Therefore, one can conclude that the test is relatively accurate. It fits in well with the findings of other psychologists, such as Carl Jung, too. Still, the test will only be accurate if you answer in the most honest way you can. If you attempt to make yourself look good or answer dishonestly, the test results will certainly not be helpful.
What is the CliftonStrengths assessment based on?
Gallup’s CliftonStrengths test is administered online. It is based on the ideas of positive psychology and uses a strength-based approach. One of the strongest influences on the CliftonStrengths test is the research of psychologist Dr. Donald O. Clifton, as well as Dr. Carl Jung and their teams. The results of the assessment are based on your responses to 177 questions. Such questions include a wide variety of topics, such as how you respond to crises or the way you form relationships. Thus, the main basis for the Clifton Strengths test is the research of Dr. Clifton and the data collection of millions taking the assessment by Gallup.
What are the rarest CliftonStrengths?
The rarest CliftonStrengths are command, self-assurance, significance, discipline, and context. They include command (taking charge and leading), self-assurance (self-confident and willing to take risks), significance (ensuring decisions have a lasting impact), discipline (self-accountability and consistency), and context (understanding the past to make sense of the current events and future).
What is the most common CliftonStrengths theme?
The most common StrengthsFinder theme is Achiever, which makes up 31%+ of the population.
Who developed the CliftonStrengths assessment?
StrengthsFinder is an online assessment created by the Gallup Organization, a world-renowned research-based consulting firm. The review was developed to help people discover their unique talents and strengths to use them more effectively in life and work.
The original StrengthsFinder evaluation was based on decades of research by Dr. Don Clifton, founder of the Gallup Organization and author of Now, Discover Your Strengths.
The review was designed to measure 34 different strengths and attributes that can be used for personal development and success.
What are the best strengths in the CliftonStrengths?
There is no single best strength. With that in mind, some of the most praised CliftonStrengths are:
- Achiever – People with this strength strive to move forward and often set high standards for themselves.
- Activator – Individuals with this theme take action quickly and efficiently; they don’t waste time when presented with a challenge or opportunity.
- Analytical – These individuals are naturally curious and excel at researching problems and finding creative solutions.
- Self-Assurance – People with this strength have confidence in their abilities and trust their judgment.
- Significance – These individuals seek opportunities to make an impact and be recognized for their achievements.
Books from the Gallup organization
Gallup started out as a humble survey company. Now, thanks in part to the leadership of Dr. Donald O. Clifton, it has become one of the leading resources for strength-based leadership and learning. Gallup has published thousands of books to make understanding your strengths even more accessible to their global audience. Here are just a few of their crucially important books:
StrengthsFinder 2.0
If you want to learn more about the strength-based approach or strengths in general, look no further than the StrengthsFinder 2.0. This book is based on the decades of research performed by Dr. Donald O. Clifton and his psychology team. They discuss the importance of understanding your strengths, how to find your strengths, and how to use your strengths. In the back of the book, you will see an access code to take the CliftonStrengths test so you can understand your unique strengths.
You can learn more or buy this strengths perspective book on Gallup’s book page.
CliftonStrengths for Students
Students are at a crucial point in their lives. Unfortunately, few students understand their unique abilities and strengths. Thus, they miss opportunities and make poor decisions, resulting in them losing passion and pursuing the wrong careers. If you want to avoid these outcomes and learn to become confident while improving your strengths, the CliftonStrengths for Students book is a great resource for you.
You can learn more or buy this book for students on Gallup’s book page.
Strengths Based Parenting
It is often stated that there is no more important job than being a parent. To truly make the most out of the amazing opportunity to raise a child, you must know how to use your strengths. Parents who know and use their strengths often have better relationships with their children, feel less stress ,and generally see more success in their parenting journey. The Strengths Based Parenting book gives you tips to take your parenting up a notch. This will benefit not just your kids, but also all other members of your family.
You can learn more or buy this parenting book on Gallup’s book page.
Strengths Based Leadership
It is no secret that with great power comes great responsibility. Leaders hold an immense amount of power, and they must be able to use it effectively to empower their teams and achieve their goals. To do this, individuals must be aware of their strengths. Knowing your strengths, according to this book, will help you boost your productivity and efficiency. This book will also help you unlock your hidden leadership strengths, find ways to solve problems, and become the best leader you can be by utilizing your strengths.
You can learn more or buy this leadership book on Gallup’s book page.
CliftonStrengths Resource Guide
The CliftonStrengths Resource Guide provides a wide variety of information centered around helping you discover your gifts and use them on a daily basis. This book covers many different aspects of the strength-based approach, including information on each of the 34 tested strengths in the CliftonStrengths test, what the strength domains are, how strengths can be used in action, and much more.
You can learn more or buy this guide on Gallup’s guide page.
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