Clifton Strengths and Communications

We can see people’s strengths expressed all the time when we interact with them. Knowing an individual’s strengths can help to prepare us for a conversation with them and enable us to direct the conversation in a way that is going to help them meet their needs.

Below we have summarised the 34 Clifton Strengths by considering how someone with that strength might approach communication. Remember this is a guide only and each person is unique and may express their strengths in different ways at different times!

Achiever – I like conversations to be focused on end results and will try to direct the conversation towards the goal.

Activator – I like action-oriented discussions, once we have decided on something I don’t see the point in continuing to discuss it. I’m usually the one who says ‘let’s do it’.

Adaptability – Often I like to communicate on the fly with no preparation as you never know what will change last minute.

Analytical - I like to go into details and enjoy communicating when I have detailed graphs and reports to back up what I say.

Arranger – I excel at communicating to others how all the different pieces fit together. I like to coordinate people for maximum productivity.

Belief - When others communicate to me, I pick up on what is important to them and whether their own values fit with mine. I communicate at my best when the topic is in line with my values.

Command - When I communicate, others listen. I express myself with authority and my words usually have great impact.

Communication - It is important to me to communicate clearly. I always seek the right combination of words, whether written or verbal.

Competition - Communication helps keep me and others on track with how we are doing in relation to each other and the competition. I love updates about team performance and always let others know about our wins!

Connectedness - In my communications, I always seek to express the links between things. Events rarely happen in isolation, so I help others to see the impact in different areas.

Consistency - It is important to be fair and equal in communications. If I share something with one person, I will consider who else needs to know and deliver them the same message.

Context - Communication cannot be taken in isolation. I will always seek to understand what has gone before and get the full picture of a situation before drawing my conclusions.

Deliberative - I like it when we take our time to discuss all the relevant pros and cons of an idea before we proceed.

Developer - I enjoy communications about how I can help others to grow and shine. I always take time to discuss learning opportunities for others.

Discipline - I like order and structure in my communications. I like to plan how I will deliver my message and have a tried and tested routine that I usually use.

Empathy - I am always picking up signals of emotions when I communicate with others. I prefer face-to-face communication so I can read body language and facial expressions.

Focus - I like to keep conversations on topic. It frustrates me when people come up with irrelevant topics, and we get distracted. I try to keep discussions focused.

Futuristic - I have a clear idea about the future and love communications where we can envisage, imagine, and brainstorm. I like to talk about what could be and inspire others with my vision.

Harmony - In communications, I am the one who helps others see what unites us, rather than what divides us. I bring disparate people and ideas together.

Ideation - Communication is a way for me to share my ideas with others. I love a brainstorming session where we can explore all ideas amongst the team.

Includer - I seek to include the right people in communications. If someone is excluded, I will fill them in and ensure they are in the next meeting.

Individualisation - I always consider the needs of the person I am communicating with and adapt my words accordingly.

Input - Before an important conversation I like to ensure I have all the relevant resources and information that we might need.

Intellection - I like to think deeply about things and I communicate best when I have that thinking time. For that reason, I like to receive information in advance of important communications so I can read and prepare ideas.

Learner - I enjoy discussing what I have learned, and seek ways to improve my communication skills.

Maximiser - I seek excellence and enjoy discussions about how we can improve things.

Positivity - I bring infectious energy to discussions. I help others to look on the bright side and not become clouded with negativity.

Realtor - I love it when I get the opportunity to communicate with my close colleagues and friends. That is when I feel most comfortable expressing myself.

Responsibility - Once I have verbalized a commitment, I ensure I follow through. Others know that they can take me at my word.

Restorative - I love discussions where we can explore what has gone wrong and how we can fix it. I don’t mind getting into the details and analysing the root cause of the problems.

Self-assurance - I have inner confidence when I speak which gives others reassurance. I believe what I say and as a result, others believe me.

Significance - I like conversations where myself or the team are recognized for our success. I seek ways to emphasize the importance of the work we do.

Strategic - I am at my best in communications when I get to discuss the available options and discover how we will get from A to B. I like to make sure we have a backup in case the first plan doesn’t work.

WOO - I love talking to new people and winning them over. I like to engage others through stories and can usually gain the attention of a room.