We were all created with special gifts and talents, referred to as innate strengths. What are innate strengths? Innate strengths are skills, characteristics, or abilities that individuals possess naturally, without the need for training or education. Strengths are what you naturally do best and are displayed in any given activity, including the personal and professional context.
In this article, we will explore what strengths are and how they shape us, knowing why our strengths matters, identify the top five strength assessments-how they work and what to expect, and discuss practical strategies for identifying your top five strengths.
As individuals, we all possess unique strengths and talents that contribute to our overall identity. These strengths shape who we are, what we excel at, and how we interact with the world around us. Understanding our strengths is incredibly important as it allows us to fully embrace our individuality and capitalize on our potential.
Why Knowing Your Strengths Matters:
As humans, we tend to focus more on our weaknesses rather than our strengths. We are programmed to believe that we need to improve upon areas that we are lacking in order to achieve success, but what if we shifted our mindset and focused on our strengths instead? Understanding and knowing our strengths is an essential aspect of personal growth and development. Whether it is in the workplace or in our personal lives, the ability to identify and utilize our strengths can lead to increased self-confidence, productivity, and overall happiness.
Tools For Strengths Assessment:
Strengths assessment is one of the most effective tools for self-discovery and personal development. It helps individuals identify their unique strengths, understand their strengths-based personality, and leverage their strengths to optimize their performance in both personal and professional life. 90% of fortune 500 companies use strengths assessments to help individuals unlock their full potential.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the Top Five Strengths Assessment, including how it works, and what individuals can expect from taking this assessment. We will also explore the benefits of using this assessment and how it can. Whether you are looking to enhance your self-awareness or are interested in personal development, this article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the Top Five Strengths Assessment.
The Top Five Strengths Assessments:
There are over one million strengths assessments available today; some are free and some charge a fee. Typically these tests provide a list of questions that the individual responds to. Based upon your responses, your innate strengths are identified. The top five assessment tools, how they work and what to expect are
Among numerous strengths assessments available in the market, five assessments are recognized for having a comprehensive framework and in-depth analysis that helps individuals discover their top five innate strengths. Below we will discuss the top five strengths assessment tools, how they work, and what to expect from them.
- Clifton Strengths, formerly known as the Strengths Finder, is a strengths assessment tool developed by Gallup. It consists of a series of 177 questions that help individuals discover their top five strengths out of a total of 34. These strengths can be used to identify potential career paths, improve communication, and boost confidence.
What Strengths to Expect:
The Clifton Strengths test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, individuals receive a report that outlines their top five strengths, along with detailed descriptions and tips on how to develop these strengths.
- VIA Character Strengths
The VIA Character Strengths assessment tool assesses an individual’s 24 character strengths and is based on the work of positive psychology pioneers, Dr. Martin Seligman, and Dr. Christopher Peterson. The purpose of this tool is to help individuals understand their strengths in order to promote well-being, build resilience, and improve relationships.
What to expect: The VIA Character Strengths questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Upon completion, individuals receive a report that highlights their top five character strengths and how they can be used to achieve their goals.
- Strengths Profile
Strengths Profile is a scientifically validated strengths assessment tool that assesses 60 strengths across three categories including realized strengths, unrealized strengths, and learned behaviors. This tool aims to help individuals and organizations uncover and develop their unique strengths and talents.
What to expect: Strengths Profile takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and generates an in-depth report that highlights an individual’s top 10 strengths, along with tips on how to develop them further.
- Strength Scope
Strength Scope is a comprehensive strengths assessment tool that assesses 24 strengths across four categories including energy, performance, use, and overuse. This tool aims to help individuals and teams understand their unique strengths and how to leverage them in a work setting.
What to expect: Strength Scope takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and generates a report that provides an overview of an individual’s strengths along with practical tips on how to develop and use them.
- Personal Potential Profile (PPP)
The Personal Potential Profile (PPP) is a strengths assessment tool that assesses 22 strengths across six categories, including creative, interpersonal, strategic, motivational, technical, and leadership. This tool is designed to help individuals understand their unique strengths and how to use them to achieve success.
What to expect: The PPP takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and generates a report that outlines an individual’s top strengths. This report also provides detailed explanations of each strength and practical tips on how to develop them further.
Bringing Your Strengths to Life:
1. Get to know your strengths
Before you can apply your strengths, it is important to understand what they are and how they manifest in your life. Take the time to review your strengths assessment report and read about each of your top five strengths. Pay attention to the descriptions,
examples, and insights provided in the report, and reflect on how each strength applies to your life.
Additionally, engage in self-reflection and introspection to gain a deeper understanding of your strengths. Think about scenarios in which you feel most energized, enthusiastic, and confident. Consider the tasks and activities that come naturally to you, and the ones that feel like a struggle. These insights can help you connect your strengths to real-world situations and identify opportunities for applying them.
2. Identify areas of your life where you can use your strengths
Once you have a better understanding of your strengths, it’s time to consider how you can use them to further your goals and pursue your passions. Think about your personal and professional life and the areas where you want to make progress. Identify tasks, projects, or activities that align with your strengths and that you would like to tackle.
For example, if your top strength is communication, you may want to look for opportunities to give presentations, lead meetings, or collaborate with others on projects that require strong communication skills. Similarly, if your top strength is strategic thinking, you may want to seek out roles that involve creating and implementing plans, analyzing data, or making decisions based on a long-term vision.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to applying your strengths. You have to tailor your approach to your unique circumstances and goals.
3. Find ways to develop your strengths
Even if you already possess strong natural aptitudes in certain areas, there is always room for growth and development. When it comes to applying your strengths, you can optimize your performance by finding ways to improve your skills and knowledge.
Invest time in learning new techniques, strategies, and approaches that help you build on your strengths. Take courses, attend workshops, read books, or seek out mentors who can help you hone your abilities and apply them more effectively. The more you deepen your understanding of your strengths, the more confident and competent you will become in using them.
4. Communicate your strengths to others
It’s one thing to know your strengths, but it’s another to communicate them to others. Sharing your strengths with others can help you build stronger relationships, attract new opportunities, and create a sense of clarity and purpose around your personal and professional goals.
Make an effort to share your strengths with your colleagues, friends, family members, and anyone else who may benefit from knowing more about you. Be clear and specific about your strengths and how you envision using them to contribute to a particular project, job, or relationship.
5. Celebrate your strengths
It’s important to celebrate and acknowledge your strengths on a regular basis. Recognize your achievements, however small they may be, and appreciate the progress you have made in leveraging your strengths.
Practice self-compassion and recognize that it’s impossible to be perfect or excel in every area of life. Focus on progress, growth, and learning, rather than perfection, and celebrate your unique talents and abilities.
Applying your strengths takes time and effort, but the rewards can be significant. By getting to know your strengths, identifying where you can use them, developing them further, communicating them to others, and celebrating your achievements, you can tap into your full potential and create your best life.
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