In the quest for self-realization and empowerment, VIA Character Strengths and CliftonStrengths are your guiding lights. Which one will reveal your authentic strengths? There is no right answer, as every person desires something different from strengths tests. Both are highly valuable, but they have some key differences you need to be aware of. It can be difficult to choose between VIA Character Strengths and CliftonStrengths. And, your personal growth strategy could depend on your test results, so there is a lot at stake. Choosing your ideal strengths test doesn’t have to be a pain, though. In this article, we will discuss how both of the tests work, their similarities and differences, and how to choose which is right for you.
Comparing VIA Character Strengths and CliftonStrengths
Although the CliftonStrengths test and VIA Character Strengths survey are both strengths assessments, they have some key differences you should be aware of. These core differences between VIA Character Strengths and CliftonStrengths are discussed below.
Assessment approach
Both are centered around a strength-based approach, but the Gallup assessment has an add-on report that discusses your potential weaknesses. While the CliftonStrengths system has 34 talent themes, the VIA test includes 24 individual strengths. The exact innate talents they test for also differ, which can lead to your results having slightly different strength profiles depending on which test you take. The biggest difference between the two is that VIA has an added emphasis on your values, while CliftonStrengths is solely a strengths assessment.
Application and impact
In addition to being structured differently, the way your results are applied also differs. For instance, the VIA Character Strengths test will give you a few of your core strengths and an overview of how they apply to your values. From there, you can find ways to gain new strengths aligned with your values or re-evaluate whether your strengths and values are aligned. With the CliftonStrengths test, you are given a very comprehensive strength-only report (unless you pay extra for details on potential weaknesses and application advice).
They also test for a greater breadth of strengths. Therefore, you learn more information about your lesser strengths as well as your top strengths. You gain an understanding of how they apply to your everyday life and how you use your strengths in action during stressful times. Overall, if you want to learn about your strengths and values, consider the VIA Character Strengths test. If you want to focus on just your strengths and be tested for a wide variety of strengths, the CliftonStrengths test is a better fit.
Understanding VIA Character Strengths Survey
VIA Character Strengths is a unique strengths assessment for several reasons. In addition to testing your strengths, they also have a secondary focus on your weaknesses. What is VIA Character Strengths philosophy? The idea behind VIA Character Strengths is that your strengths are built off of your values and beliefs. If you can find your values, you can learn more about how you interact with others, your ideal workplace, how you use your strengths and much more.
Core concepts
The assessment was initially developed by Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman, both researchers who studied positive character strengths. The VIA Research Institute then created a test based on Peterson & Seligman’s work. This test covers 24 different strengths. You will not only learn about the strengths you possess, though. This test also explains how you likely apply these strengths in the workplace and beyond.
Compared to HIGH5
Free strengths builder test HIGH5 focuses on individuals’ strengths and top qualities. However, VIA is not solely a strengths test. They are more focused on an individual’s values, and how those values impact your behavior. Therefore, the entire framework surrounding the tests are different. The VIA assessment tests for 24 possible abilities, while HIGH5 ranks your top 5 strengths and presents them to you in an easy-to-follow result page.
Understanding CliftonStrengths
CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder) is often thought of as the original science-backed strengths tests. The test is the product of Dr. Donald O. Clifton and his team’s research on positive psychology and personality traits. At the time of his research, Dr. Clifton worked at his own small research company, which was later acquired by Gallup. Gallup later worked with Dr. Clifton to create CliftonStrengths and popularized it to the masses. If you are wondering “What is CliftonStrengths?” it is an assessment based on positive psychology.
Core concepts
Dr. Clifton believed focusing on your skills and strengths rather than weaknesses is more effective for personal growth. The CliftonStrengths test was built on this idea. When taking the test, you will be tested for 34 possible talents and themes. You will be given a comprehensive report including your top strengths and some ways you might apply them. It will give you an idea about your unique strengths composition.
Compared with HIGH5
At first glance, you might believe HIGH5 and CliftonStrengths are extremely similar. Although both are strengths tests, they have some key differences in their structures. For instance, while there are 34 possible strengths tested for on CliftonStrengths, HIGH5 tests for 20 strengths across 4 distinct categories. Also, CliftonStrengths may be overwhelming if you acquire the full report. HIGH5 will report your more focused top 5 strengths. Both tests are founded on ideas focused on positive psychology and personal development. They are both considered strengths tests.
Pros and cons of the VIA model
If you are looking for a perfect strengths assessment, the reality is that no assessment is perfect. That includes the VIA Character Strengths test, too. However, tests like VIA are still highly valuable and often bring immense benefits into you life. Below is a list of the top advantages and disadvantages of the VIA Character Strengths test.
Pros
- Focuses on positive qualities leading to you being more positive.
- Offers a more comprehensive overview of your entire personality.
- Gives you additional details on your values and how they influence your life.
- Backed by scientific research (Seligman and Peterson).
- Can make you more productive.
- Often reinvigorates passion for your job.
- Gives you a boost of confidence.
- Can help employers decide whether an employee’s values and strengths align with their needs.
- Strengthens relationships in the workplace by finding common values.
Cons
- Limited information on your hard skills and talents (which are also crucial for your work).
- Considered to be more complex than other strengths tests.
- Tests for a limited number of strengths.
- Does not cover any information on your weaknesses.
- This could lead to you becoming overly confident or arrogant.
- May misclassify some strengths and positive traits.
Pros and cons of the CliftonStrengths system
Just like the VIA test has both benefits and drawbacks, so does the CliftonStrengths assessment. However, since the tests are not exactly the same, the advantages and disadvantages of CliftonStrengths differ from those of VIA. Some of the top pros and cons that come with this assessment include the following:
Pros
- Includes a wide range of strengths you will be tested for.
- One of the most popular strengths tests (considered one of the first mainstream strengths tests).
- Backed by science (Dr. Donald O. Clifton).
- Can help you improve your workplace performance and productivity.
- Discusses potential ways you may use your strengths.
- For an additional payment, you can learn about your weaknesses.
- Boost your confidence.
- Great user interface and straightforward questions.
- Trusted by some of the biggest brands in the world (Fortune 500 companies).
Cons
- The test is costly ($20, an additional $40 or more for more detailed reporting).
- Subjective since it relies on self-reporting.
- Does not cover much information about weaknesses.
- The results may be a bit overwhelming.
- The test is longer than most others (30-40 minutes on average).
Practical applications and implications of VIA Character Strengths and CliftonStrengths tests
Now that you know how both of these popular strengths of character tests work, you might be wondering: how can I actually use the results they give me? There are many benefits that you could potentially gain from these assessments, but they require you to take a few steps first.
In personal development
Strengths and personality tests can be very helpful in furthering your self-improvement goals. Once you understand what your strengths are, it is crucial to find out how you use them. Both VIA and CliftonStrengths give you an overview of how your strengths are likely used. Then, you can find new ways to apply your strengths, such as applying them in different settings. In addition, you can find strengths that are similar to the ones you currently have, and work on improving them. One of the greatest benefits that come with taking strengths tests is the boost in confidence a strengths-based approach gives you. When you have this boost in confidence, you are more likely to use your strengths and take calculated risks.
In organizational development
In addition to helping an individual maintain a positive personality and further their personality development, strengths tests are also useful for organizational development. Thousands of companies across the globe, including Fortune 500 conglomerates, trust tests like VIA and CliftonStrengths to help their teams learn about their strengths. This way, when hiring, employers know which strengths are needed to fill their team’s skill gaps. In addition to this, they can predict which individuals would fit in best with their existing team. These assessments also help with tracking employee strengths and growth. Plus, they are highly useful for helping managers learn which tasks to assign to which employee based on strengths.
Compared to HIGH5
The HIGH5 is known as a fantastic assessment for those wishing to kickstart personal development. It provides a variety of important insights into how your psychology and career are impacted by your strengths. The VIA Character Strengths test is more focused on values. Values are very important for teams, but without understanding your strengths, the team will be far less productive and efficient. CliftonStrengths is also a strengths test, like HIGH5. However, it does not offer teams the same in-depth review of their strengths. With the HIGH5 team packages, you can understand each employee’s traits to watch out for, unique qualities, how they work best, who they work best with, and much more.
How accurate is the VIA Character Strengths model?
One of the primary concerns individuals taking strengths tests have is whether or not the results are genuinely accurate. While some tests may not be very accurate, the VIA Character Strengths Survey is a key by real science and research from excellent psychologists (Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson). The test has been taken by millions of people across the globe and has an overwhelmingly positive rating from their customers. No test will be 100% accurate. Still, as long as you respond honestly and take your time answering the questions, you should get quite accurate results.
How accurate is the CliftonStrengths model?
The CliftonStrengths test is known for being one of the most accurate strengths assessments after the HIGH5 assessment, on the market. However, this does not mean it is 100% perfect. If you rush through the test or lie, you will not get very accurate results. Even if you do answer honestly, the test is about self-evaluation. And, your perception may be inaccurate sometimes. Still, the test is quite accurate. It is based on decades of research done by Dr. Donald O. Clifton. The test is trusted by millions of individuals and organizations, including Fortune 500 companies. By taking your time and answering honestly, you can maximize the accuracy of your results.
Compared to HIGH5
Both CliftonStrengths and VIA Character Strengths are trusted by millions of people across the globe. The two organizations have a plethora of positive reviews, indicating these tests can truly be life-changing. However, the HIGH5 takes this to another level. Not only is it utilized by Fortune 500 companies and millions of individuals, but it is also supported by thorough science. The test was founded on the idea of a strengths-based approach, a tool psychologists recognize can boost both career and personal success [1]. Plus, several studies have been done on the HIGH5 specifically, showing it is both accurate and consistent [2].
Conclusion
Both the VIA Character Strengths and CliftonStrengths tests can offer immense benefits and highly useful insights into your abilities. Each test has its unique quirks, pros, and cons. Comparing VIA Character Strengths vs CliftonStrengths reveals they have many structures in common, too. Consider what you truly want from an assessment when deciding which is right for you. Regardless of which test you end up choosing, your personal life and career can both get a tremendous boost if you answer honestly and take the test seriously.
References
- Pattoni L. (2012). Strengths-based approaches for working with individuals. The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services. https://www.iriss.org.uk/resources/insights/strengths-based-approaches-working-individuals.
- HIGH5 Content and Review Team (2019). STATISTICAL RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY. HIGH5. https://high5test.com/methodology/reliability-validity/.
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