How To Apply CliftonStrengths Belief At Work
StrengthsFinder Definition - Belief
Often people will ask us, "What does it mean to have the Belief Strength?" First, know that StrengthsFinder will help you figure out your potential. We call them natural talents or natural patterns. We know you're here because you want to turn them into superpowers in your career, so here's the gist: People exceptionally talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives. Here's the full list of CliftonStrengths definitions so you can check out your other talents as well.
Gallup®, Clifton StrengthsFinder®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
CliftonStrengths Belief - Learn All About It
These 10-15 minute "Theme Overview" videos give you a peek into the awesomeness of your talent theme. They also explore the idea that talent themes represent potential, yet if they are not invested in, they might show up looking raw and unproductive at work.
These “Talent Deep Dive” videos explore the nuance of each talent theme. You’ll learn about its power and edge. You’ll consider potential blind spots. These are useful videos if you have this talent theme at the top of your list, or if you want to learn about a teammate who leads through Belief.
These Career Branding links help you apply your talents to your career. They give you examples of things you might be known for to help your personal branding at work. They also offer some watch-outs to know what situations and cultures can zap your energy.
Your Strengths Will Strengthen Your Performance At Work
In the next section, you'll explore what fuels you up and what drains you. Just like gas (or petrol) in your car, you need to keep your personal tank full to be at your best. Each StrengthsFinder talent theme is energized and drained by different things. When you see the stick figure who looks strong, you can consider how these things fuel you up at work. They're your energy makers. When you see the stick figure who looks weak, consider if these things are draining you at work. They're your energy takers.
Yucks for CliftonStrengths Belief
What's a Yuck?
It's a situation, condition, or behavior you might see at work that zaps your energy. Yucks are also things you see on your calendar or to-do list that make you think, "Yuck, if I never had to do that again I'd be thrilled."
Yuck Situations for Belief
- If your values get questioned or pushed around, you'll likely feel totally drained.
- If your work or company culture is misaligned with your beliefs, it will be difficult to be all in.
Example yuck from client: "I used to have a boss who would yell at other employees. It embarrassed them in public. The fact that she violated my deepest values of mutual respect and kindness told me instantly I couldn't work for her. I wasn't the target of her tirades, but that didn't matter. Once you show a dark side like that, it's almost impossible to get my trust again."
Yays for CliftonStrengths Belief
What's a Yay?
It's a situation at work that boosts up your energy or makes you feel productive. Yays are also things you see on your calendar or to-do list that make you think, “Yay, fill my days with this."
Yay Situations for Belief
- When the team prioritizes and even sacrifices for what's most important.
- Getting to do things the right way, and being around others who want to as well.
Example yay from client: "People always tell me I'm passionate. That's because I love tying my life's purpose to my work. I believe in our cause, and I want to share our products with the whole world because it will make their lives better. Today, it's a medical device. Earlier in my career, it was a software product. If it helps humanity, there's a good chance I'm in."
How CliftonStrengths Belief Can Be Perceived When Starved
What's a Starved Talent?
This section describes how you might be perceived when the shadow side of your talent is showing. It’s when you’re overusing, misapplying, or squashing one of your natural talents rather than turning it into a strength. We often see people starve, squash, or ignore their talent when they assume it is not valued in that role or company culture.
Perceptions of Starved Belief
- Can be perceived as stubborn or set in ways
- Might appear self-righteous, which can confuse your "they're such a good person" reputation
- Refuses or avoids "meaningless" tasks
How CliftonStrengths Belief Can Be Perceived When Fed
What's a Fed Talent?
This section describes how you might be perceived when the best version of you shows up at work. It’s when you’ve invested in your natural talents to mature them into strengths. You can feed your talent by considering “how” you approach each “what” on the job. When you apply your talents to productive outcomes, you’re feeding them.
Perceptions of Fed Belief
- Passionately lives out core values, even at work
- Has clarity and conviction. People know who you are and what to expect of you
- Inspired by purpose and lives it out
Situations That Make CliftonStrengths Belief Feel Insulted
What's An Insulted Talent?
Usually, talents get offended or insulted by other people who have natural preferences that are different from yours. It also happens if they fail to see their actions have an impact on someone else (you!). You can also insult your own talents if you have a "troublemaker strength" that speaks loudly and overpowers this one.
Things That Will Insult Belief
- Push on ethical boundaries or worse, ask this person to breach their moral standards.
- Appear obsessed with money and power.
If you're constantly breaking rules or feeding egos, keep a close eye on those who lead with Belief. The insincere approach to business will be extremely frustrating to them. They get satisfaction when values and purpose are honored, so being around selfish acts can make them feel like they're working in the wrong office.
Situations That Make CliftonStrengths Belief Feel Honored
What's An Honored Talent?
Usually, talents feel honored when other people acknowledge your needs and potential contributions. Talents feel honored when someone “extends an olive branch” to help you work at your best. You can also honor your own talents by investing in them, by choosing work that naturally calls on them, or by applying your strengths to performance on the job.
Things That Will Honor Belief
- Keep your promises.
- Assign deeper meaning to tasks and relationships.
To unleash the A-game of someone who leads through the Belief talent, give the person something worth believing in. They will work longer and harder than most if they believe in the bigger meaning. Consistently tie back to your "Why" so that they see their work is important.
Personal Brand - 'How' CliftonStrengths Belief Operates At Work
Most people have a good handle on "What" they bring to the workplace. Resumes, CVs, and career development conversations are filled with lists of skills and job titles that show "what" you can do. Nearly everyone misses the "How".
Your Clifton StrengthsFinder talent themes help you communicate "How" you show up. It's how you think. It's how you feel. It's how you act. These are huge differences in each person that are differentiators on the job. Consider these adjectives you might want to consciously put into your personal branding efforts.
We recommend working a "How" description into the Summary section in your LinkedIn profile (if you don't yet use that section, don't worry, most people haven't paid attention to it until now). Of course, make up adjectives or phrases that describe you at your best. Try to avoid words like "motivated, self-starter" because they're so overused that you'll blend in with everyone else. Here are some ideas to spark your thinking:
- Stable
- Grounded
- Certain
- Self-Sacrificing
- Anchor
- Evangelist
- Values-Driven
- Committed
- Principled
- Passionate
- Steady In Values
- Loyal (if values-aligned)
- Purpose-Centered
- Altruistic
- Purposeful
- Mission-Driven
- Inspirer
- Consistent Advocate
How To Invest In Your CliftonStrengths Belief Talent On The Job
- Actively cultivate a network of people who share your basic values. Consider your best friend. Does this person share your values system? Extend this approach to work. Grow a network of colleagues who share your beliefs or values, or those who you respect for living out theirs.
- Don’t be afraid to give voice to your values. This will help others know how to relate to you and what you're all about. Consider how you can organize your life around your values.
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Partner with someone with the Strategic or Futuristic theme. This person can energize you by painting a vivid picture of where your values can lead you.
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Work on acceptance. Get comfortable knowing that other people might have values different from yours. Work on living out a Belief talent that isn't judgmental - it is simply resolute in the way you live your life. Practice honoring people who choose a different way.
Tips For Managing Someone Who Leads Through The CliftonStrengths Belief Talent
- This person will have a passion about something. Discover their passion and tie it to the work to be done. They may prefer to provide greater levels of outward-service over making more money or getting promotions.
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This person will have some powerful, enduring values. You do not have to share their beliefs, yet you should try to understand them. Align them to their work. For example, talk with them about how your services make people's lives better, or discuss how your company embodies integrity and trust.
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Learn about their family and community. They will have rock-solid commitments here. You will need to understand, appreciate, and honor these commitments. It's often a non-negotiable element of this person's life. It can be faith-based, family oriented, or something tied to purpose.
What To Consider When Partnering With A Colleague Who Leads Through CliftonStrengths Belief
- Ask this person to partner with you when you need a strong sense of mission or contribution behind the work.
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When your team needs to connect their daily work to the bigger mission or to realign with values, use this person to help the team get ethics and outcomes in sync.
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Call on this person when you need a mentor, teacher, or advisor to those in need.
Turn CliftonStrengths Belief Into A Strength This Month By Making It Your Phone Lock Screen
Click on this thumbnail image of your StrengthsFinder talent theme to link to the full size image. Then save it to your phone or mobile device as your lock screen.
That way, you’ll be reminded of your plan to focus on that talent…oh…about 98 times per day when you unlock your phone. What a great way to keep your intention front-of-mind! This will help you remember to invest in this talent theme so you can take the untapped potential and turn the natural talent into a strength.
Who knew wallpaper images could be so valuable to your career?! Here are all of the lock screen images if you want to grab an image for a different CliftonStrengths talent.