Why Kotuku uses the CliftonStrengths Profile Tool
CliftonStrengths is a tool that helps individuals, managers and teams drive growth, engagement, communication, and performance.
I have explored nearly every major personality profile out there. Over the years, tools like the Colour Wheel, Myers-Briggs, and the DiSC have all found a place in my bottom drawer, gathering dust. But CliftonStrengths? That’s a different story. I completed my CliftonStrengths survey over a decade ago and have consistently used its insights for myself and my team ever since. So, why has this tool endured where others have not?
Uncovering True Potential with CliftonStrengths
At Kotuku Coaching, we believe in the power of understanding ourselves and our teams deeply and authentically. Personality profiles can be invaluable in this journey, providing a shortcut to self-awareness and mutual understanding. Often, what comes naturally to us is easy to overlook, yet we readily spot these talents in others. The right tool can help bridge this gap.
Why CliftonStrengths?
In my experience with various profile tools across 20+ years of corporate life and coaching, I’ve found that CliftonStrengths stands out for several compelling reasons:
1. Balancing Complexity and Simplicity
CliftonStrengths manages to be both simple and sophisticated. Its 34 distinct talent themes—each with straightforward names like ACHIEVER, LEARNER, and FOCUS — allow for an easy understanding. Yet, the interplay of these strengths adds depth. The odds of someone else having the same Top 5 strengths in the same order as you are 1 in 33 million.
Moreover, like the DISC model or the Colour Wheel, CliftonStrengths organizes these themes into four domains: Strategic Thinking, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Executing. These domains provide a high-level overview that helps teams quickly grasp how each member operates, making it easier to work together effectively.
Watch this short video to learn more about the CliftonStrengths Profile or read on.
2. Practical and Everyday Usability
One of the greatest strengths of CliftonStrengths is its practicality. It’s designed to be integrated into daily work or home life, empowering individuals and teams to use it without needing constant external interpretation. While coaches add valuable depth and insight, the tool’s real power lies in its accessibility and the ability for everyday users to make meaningful, actionable insights.
3. Affordability and Accessibility
CliftonStrengths is not only powerful but also affordable. While some profiling tools can be prohibitively expensive, especially for larger teams, CliftonStrengths is accessible and starts under $50 per person. This makes it feasible for organizations of all sizes to leverage its benefits without a hefty financial burden.
4. Personal Relevance and Engagement
The language and focus of CliftonStrengths encourage a positive, strengths-based perspective. People often refer to “My Strengths” with a sense of pride and ownership. This positive focus helps ensure that the tool doesn’t just create a momentary impact but continues to be relevant and useful over the years.
5. Scientific Validity and Accuracy
Gallup, the organization behind CliftonStrengths, is renowned for its research and data-driven approach. The CliftonStrengths tool is rigorously validated, with 33 million profiles completed worldwide and roots in over 50 years of research. The assessment’s focus on innate talents rather than situational behaviors ensures that the results are stable and reliable over time.
6. Immediate and Actionable Insights
While many tools excel at identifying what and why CliftonStrengths uniquely provides clarity on the who and how. It transforms insights into actionable steps, helping teams and individuals quickly apply their strengths to achieve their goals and improve communication and teamwork.
7. Versatility Across All Levels
CliftonStrengths is versatile, providing insights at individual, team, and organizational levels. It helps decode the culture of organizations by highlighting dominant strengths and potential areas for growth and alignment. This holistic view is invaluable for understanding how “we do things around here” and fostering a cohesive and collaborative environment.
Empowering Choice and Organic Growth
At Kotuku Coaching, we believe in empowering choice. It’s not about finding the “right” or “wrong” tool but about discovering what helps people shine their brightest. The most successful Strengths programs are those that grow organically, where individuals choose to engage and explore their potential. CliftonStrengths offers a framework that supports this organic growth and enduring engagement.
Ready to Explore Your Strengths?
Curious about how CliftonStrengths can support you, your team, and your organization? We’re here to help you navigate your strengths journey. Feel free to reach out to us for more insights and to start your strengths-based development today.
