Knowing My Strengths Wasn’t Enough
I first took the Clifton StrengthsFinder® assessment, now called CliftonStrengths® in 2011. At the time I was empty. I was at the end of a multiyear project that took everything out of me. A friend, mentor, and personal coach suggested that I take a sabbatical in order to rest, renew, and reimagine what the next phase of life would look like. As I prepared for the sabbatical, he also suggested I take the StrengthsFinder.
I purchased the book Discover Your Strengths: StrengthsFinder 2.0 and used the code that came with it to find out my top 5 strengths. I was surprised at the results. They were me! As far as I could tell they were spot on. They suggested action steps were encouraging, inspiring, and invigorating.
I would love to say that I implemented every step, and developed action plans in line with my new awareness. Nope. Instead, I returned from my sabbatical and immediately buried myself in work. Within months, I had forgotten the talent themes that described me. I didn’t forget everything, but since I didn’t know what to do with this newfound knowledge, the assessment ended up in a file that is likely still buried in my desk. My conclusion: knowing your strengths is not enough! You have to do something with that knowledge.
I had forgotten the talent themes that described me and the report ended up in a file buried in my desk.
Experience Greater Clarity
Later on, I surfaced the long-buried assessment, but I didn’t realize that the Top 5 assessment was just the introduction. So, I ordered the Full 34 report from the Gallup website, and then hired a WeAlign coach to walk me through a full Strengths Alignment.
The result has been greater clarity. Now I have a much better sense of my unique design and how my talents are deeply woven into who I am.
After taking the CliftonStrengths® assessment and getting coached through the Strengths Alignment process with a WeAlign coach, I decided to become a WeAlign Coach myself – it was that transformative for me!
5 Benefits of a Strengths Alignment
- When your life is aligned with your strengths, you have greater clarity.
- You have a better idea of your purpose, calling, and how to spend your time.
- You have a new language for describing the power you bring to your life and work.
- You can better discern how to go about your life and work using your strengths.
- You even have greater energy and passion! Strengths are a foundation that you can build on.
If you haven’t yet experienced a Strengths Alignment or would like to know more about our services, contact us.