"After getting my strengths report, I felt understood."
- Student
Why Strengths
Strengths Matter
American culture is fixated on the latest self-help resources and how to improve things that are wrong or broken. Don Clifton, creator of the CliftonStrengths® assessment, took a different stance, asking…
"What would happen if we studied what is right with people versus what is wrong with people?"
Everyone has talent. We don’t always have words or descriptions for what we do well, and it becomes easy to downplay our most natural patterns and contributions. A strengths-based approach celebrates what is unique about us—and informs how we can apply our potential. Nearly half a century of Gallup research proves that when we know our unique set of strengths, we are empowered to succeed by doing what we naturally do best.
The key is focusing on what's strong, not wrong.
Applying a Strengths-based Approach
The strengths-based development approach is unique and powerful. A person’s most direct path to individual growth and improvement begins with a primary investment in his or her greatest talents. Imagine applying the strengths-based approach in our organizations, schools, and classrooms—focusing on the individual strengths of our
employees, educators, and students. First, helping them to discover their strengths, and
then helping them to develop and apply them.
Strengths-based education is predicated on the belief that every child has the potential to learn and that the best way to
grow learning is through a positive lens. Some students may not be aware of what strengths they possess, or even that they
have strengths. Through mutual teacher and student discovery, the chances for personalized success are greatly enhanced.
When students know their strengths, they are empowered and engaged to succeed in and out of the classroom by doing what they naturally do best. As a result, they experience improved resilience and confidence, productivity, engagement in school, and hope and direction for the future. When students are engaged and thriving, the possibilities are endless.
DISCOVER
Identify and understand one’s unique strengths using CliftonStrengths® assessments.
DEVELOP
Learn how to use personal strengths individually and within teams through tailored professional learning and support resources.
APPLY
Connect strengths to school, learning, and the workforce through strategic education, workforce, and community partnerships.
EMBED
Collect and share stories and strategies for long-term success and sustainability.