Why StrengthsFinder?

So you're getting exposed to CliftonStrengths for the first time and you're wondering...why StrengthsFinder?

• What kind of research is this tool based on?
• Hmmmm, is this just another personality test that will stick me into a narrow box?
• Why should I trust the CliftonStrengths Assessment? Is it just something made up by a hack?

These numbers tell a story about your questions:

• You're in Good Company. Over 31 million people have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment to find their unique combination of Talent Themes, as of early 2024. So the ability to study and apply your natural talents is enormous. Your Talent Themes describe how you think, feel, or act when you're at your natural best. It's based on how you get results, not on your personality traits.
• You're Not A Stereotype. There's only a 1 in 33 million chance that you'll have the same Top 5 Talent Themes in the same order as someone else. So basically, you're a unique snowflake. And the StrengthsFinder thinks so too. So we won't force you into annoying labels.
• This Research Outlasts Your Attention Span. I love strengths-based development with every cell in my body, yet I can't personally see myself slicing and dicing any data (or sticking with anything) for 40 years. That's why we're lucky to have the work of Gallup. Before launching StrengthsFinder, they did 30 years of intensive research. And now it has been in use for over 20 years, so we're over 50 years of data collection.They've stuck with this over decades. It's not a flavor-of-the-month tool. And if you want to see the nitty gritty research done by real behavioral scientists, check out the research methods and validity info.

What about real business results for teams?

Here's a great overview of performance metrics that you can impact when you use StrengthsFinder to build a talent based culture. All I can say is "Wowza" - the impact is huge. And you get those results by doing something that actually feels good in the process.

In this image, you see just a few impressive results you could experience when you fully build out a strengths based culture. It answers the question "why StrengthsFinder" from the perspective of your work performance and the experiences you have in the workplace.

According to Gallup's database, strengths based development projects have led to results such as:

• 14.9% reduction in employee turnover
• 21% better margins
• 38% better sales

That's just a few. You can see the full picture by checking out this ROI report or checking out our Gobs-Of-Stats page, where we talk about the impact of your leadership and StrengthsFinder on employee engagement, retention, and recognition.

From "Why StrengthsFinder" to "Why CliftonStrengths"

If you're wondering where all of this came from, you'll want to know a little about Donald Clifton. He's known as the grandfather of the strengths-based movement.

Before he joined Gallup, he was a practicing psychologist and academic. He asked himself "what will happen when we think about what is right with people rather than fixating on what is wrong with them?"

He started noticing that, geez, there’s a lot of research on people’s neuroses, yet seems like nothing on focusing on what’s right with them.

So he did a deep search and turned up nothing. Everything at the time focused on what’s wrong with people and how to fix what’s broken with them. And it makes you wonder why this approach is still the common philosophy at work. Most companies focus on filling gaps and fixing weaknesses.

And that's why your new strengths journey is so exciting. You're still among contrarians.

You're a trail blazer who can see the efficiency, power, and energy that comes from focusing on your natural talents. Now it's your turn to discover your strengths and share them with the world.

If you've noticed that StrengthsFinder and CliftonStrengths seem to be interchangeable words, you're right. The name changed to honor Don Clifton. Regardless of the name your team calls it, we think you'll love this tool.

What's our favorite answer to the question of "Why StrengthsFinder?"

It's the Return on your effort (ROE). Imagine how high-leverage it could be if you used tools that made your job easier.

If you tried to loosen a screw with a hammer, you would spend a lot of time getting a messy result.

Using your strengths at work is like choosing the screwdriver versus the hammer - finding your personally-best tools for the job. We can't wait to help you uncover or re-discover your easy-button type tools for getting results.