Strengths 101Understanding StrengthsFinder 2.0 and Recognizing the use of Signature Themes in Life and Work

Understanding Strengths Strengths are qualities that enable people to do

specific things very well Gallup research shows that highly successful

people learn to play to their strengths and minimize their weaknesses

StrengthsFinder has been used with over 4 million people in 17 languages in 50+ countries

Strengths-based education is being applied on over 400 college campuses

I feel strong when…

Strengths Test

SIGN

= Success

= Instinct

= Growth

= NeedsTalent + (Knowledge + Skills + Practice) = Strength

There are over 33,390,000 unique combinations of strengths themes The combination and the order of the 34 themes of

talent measured by StrengthsFinder lead to more than 33,390,000 possible unique sets of Signature Themes

Among the first 800,000 people who took StrengthsFinder, less than 20 people had the same top five themes, without considering the order of the themes

There are 278,256 possible unique combinations of top five Signature Themes

Consider the Uniqueness of Each Person’s Combination of Strengths

Each signature theme is influenced by the application of the other 33 themes.

Each person’s strengths have the potential for success when developed.

When each person is aware of personal strengths and sees strengths in others, the possibilities for excellence are exponential.

Personal Best

You Nice Try Not Quite

VIDEO

Strengths Connect with Four Key Motivational Drives

Executing Influencing Relationship Building Strategic Thinking

Executing Themes Achiever- People strong in the Achiever theme have a great

deal of stamina and work hard. They derive great satisfaction from being busy and productive.

Arranger- People strong in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have flexibility that complements this ability. They like to figure out how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

Belief- People strong in the Belief theme have certain unchanging core values, out of which emerge a defined purpose for their lives.

Executing Themes (cont.)

Consistency- People strong in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same and try to treat everyone in the world fairly by setting up clear rules and adhering to them.

Deliberative- People strong in the Deliberative theme are best characterized by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They can also anticipate the obstacles.

Discipline- People strong in the Discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create.

Executing Themes (cont.)

Focus- People strong in the Focus theme can take a direction, follow through, and make the corrections necessary to stay on track by prioritizing and acting.

Responsibility- People strong in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do and are committed to stable values, such as honesty and loyalty.

Restorative- People strong in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems, figuring out what is wrong, and resolving it.

Influencing ThemesActivator- People strong in the Activator theme make

things happen by turning thoughts into action. They are often impatient.

Command- People strong in the Command theme have presence, can take control of a situation and make decisions.

Communication- People strong in the Communication theme easily put their thoughts into words and are good conversationalists.

Competition- People strong in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others, strive to win, and revel in contests..

Influencing Themes (cont.)Maximizer- People strong in the Maximizer theme focus on

strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.

Self-Assurance- People strong in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to manage their lives. They possess an inner compass that gives them confidence that their decisions are right.

Significance- People strong in the Significance theme want to be very important in the eyes of others. They are independent and want to be recognized.

Woo- People strong in Woo love the challenge of meeting new people, winning them over, and derive satisfaction from making connections with others.

Relationship Building Themes

Adaptability – People strong in the Adaptability theme live life in the moment; ready to re-evaluate their options to overcome any roadblocks.

Connectedness-People strong in Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things and believe there are few coincidences because almost every event has a reason.

Developer-People strong in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others and spot the signs of each small improvement. They derive satisfaction from these improvements.

Relationship Building Themes (cont.)Empathy- People strong in the Empathy theme can sense

the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in other’s lives or situations.

Harmony- People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus, do not enjoy conflict, and look for areas of agreement.

Includer- People strong in the Includer theme are accepting of others, show awareness of those who feel left out, and make an effort to include them.

Relationship Building Themes (cont.)Individualization- People strong in the Individualization

theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person and have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.

Positivity- People strong in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and get others excited about tasks.

Relator- People who are strong in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others and find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

Strategic Themes

Analytical-People strong in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation.

Context-People strong in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past and understand the present by researching its history.

Futuristic-People strong in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.

Ideation-People strong in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas and are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.

Strategic Themes (cont.)Input-People strong in the Input theme have craving to know

more and often like to collect and archive all kinds of information.

Intellection-People strong in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.

Learner-People strong in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

Strategic-People strong in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

What Can You Do Now? Review the ‘Action-Planning Guide’

Pick one item to commit to trying this week Clarify your Strengths…

Does it matter why I do this activity? Does it matter who I do this activity with/to/for? Does it matter when I am doing this activity? Does it matter what this activity is about?

Share your Strengths… …in your work; with your team …with your manager

Strengths Test

SIGN

= Success

= Instinct

= Growth

= Needs