The CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) strategic talent theme is one of 34 unique talent themes in the Gallup StrengthsFinder Assessment.
A Guide to Understanding the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) Strategic Talent Theme
Gallup’s StrengthsFinder identifies the innate strengths of individuals, which are improved to help them reach their truest potential.
You may have the strategic talent theme or know someone with the strategic talent theme. Understanding more about talent themes can help strengthen your existing skill sets and improve interpersonal relations.
The Power Of The CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) Strategic Talent Theme
People with the strategic talent theme are skilled at uncovering the inner concepts and patterns behind complex ideas. They’re able to categorise and reconfigure information into more digestible bits. Additionally, individuals with the strategic talent theme are capable of rounding up a list of options for the best outcome at a swift pace. They’re able to sieve through chunks of details to work out multiple options.
Individuals with the strategic talent theme have the ability to assess a situation from all angles, enabling them to evaluate all obstacles placed before them. This allows them to make informed observations that determine the best course of action. People with the strategic talent theme can naturally identify scenarios that have potential obstacles that may lead to confusion, difficulties and dead ends. With this gift, they’re able to provide others with insightful guidance and lead them onward through the process of careful elimination and calculated risk.
The strategic talent theme helps individuals to advance through fresh perspectives while others are stumped by an impasse.
What the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) Strategic Theme Loves
Individuals with the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) strategic talent theme are creative, imaginative and persistent. They are always able to use their unique perspective to cut through the mess and find many possible solutions to a scenario.
People with the strategy talent theme are confident at tackling a problem straight on while inspiring others along the way. They marvel at the functions of the world and are constantly amazed at the infinite possibilities – or what ifs. These individuals invest in alternative scenarios as a means of getting forward. As such, they may display a genuine interest in learning from the perspectives of others to hone their problem-solving abilities.
The strategic talent theme is drawn to anticipating the road ahead and choosing decisions with the least obstacles and complications. Their snap judgements may seem frivolous and moderately brash when viewed by others. However, these opinions are, more often than not, strongly based on acute logic and assessments.
What The CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) Strategic Theme Hates
Individuals with the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) strategic talent theme generally dislike monotony and a lack of challenge. Their nimble minds work best under scenarios where they’re required to constantly crunch out new ideas and strategies.
People with the strategic talent theme do not appreciate having all the answers handed to them. They prefer arriving at their own conclusions by weighing the pros and cons within their environment. For them, the journey towards making a decision is as fulfilling as the results.
Strategic talent themed individuals do not settle for limitations. The availability of options shouldn’t be narrowed down or compromised, they don’t believe in selecting from a few preset possibilities simply to meet a goal in the fastest possible time.
Strategic’s Basement Behaviours
When the strategic talent theme is pushed too hard, individuals may become harshly critical or domineering.
Here are 3 negative behaviours of Strategic:
1) Critical – People with the strategic talent theme are capable of seeing multiple possibilities of an idea in record time. They often visualise these possibilities much faster than their peers. A lack of empathy might cause individuals to become harshly critical when others fail to view the world through their lens. Similarly, they may downplay or dismiss the suggestions of others since they’re considering multiple possibilities at once.
2) Overly Competitive – Individuals with the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) strategic talent theme are always challenging themselves. When left unchecked, they may become highly contentious and fare poorly in teamed efforts. Therefore, it is important for strategic individuals to refocus on the main tasks at hand and consider the bigger picture rather than personal gains.
3) Excessive Control – The strategic talent theme will lead individuals towards decision-making skills that are bound to inspire others. Solutions are constantly being churned out at the drop of a hat due to their natural gift in strategic planning. Some individuals might choose to domineer or overshadow peers who are less forthcoming with their ideas.
Strategic’s Best Contributions
There are multiple roads to success according to the mindset of individuals with the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) strategic talent theme. They can excel through roles in leadership, brokering, teaching and counselling, as they guide others in making the right decisions through thoughtful assessment of the facts.
In summary, the power of individuals with the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) strategic talent theme lies in their ability to answer the tough questions while considering all potential impediments. They’re creative, investigative and adept at identifying key elements behind an optimal decision.
Strategic individuals are capable of sorting through the details and laying out multiple possibilities to a complex idea. Through a clarity of thought and vision, they are prepared to lead their followers and peers into new dimensions of possibilities and ideal results.
StrengthsAsia has helped many individual and corporate clients all throughout the region in identifying and maximizing their talents, in driving engagement and increasing motivation in their work and life.
If you want to learn more about the 34 talent themes or discover how you can apply your talent themes in the areas of your work and your life, feel free to reach out to us here.
A devotee at the altar of language and a celebrant of expression. Laurenzo has written for various SMEs, MNCs, startups and international brands over the last three years. He specializes in topics of psychology, lifestyle, employee management, and digital trends.