Chapter 1: The Clifton Strengths Assessment Journey

The Clifton Strengths Assessment serves as a tool designed to unveil your inherent patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior. Its primary aim is to help you discover your unique talents, enabling a deeper understanding of yourself and optimizing your potential.

When it comes to results from personality assessments, individuals generally respond in one of two ways: "This describes me perfectly!" or "This doesn't resonate at all." My reaction was a mix of both. I felt an undeniable connection to my results while simultaneously feeling detached from them. Cue the panic…

At the time, my workplace offered the opportunity for Product Managers and Designers to take this assessment, fostering a better understanding of our strengths and how to leverage them in our roles. Upon receiving my results, I delved into their meanings, but my strongest strength left me feeling uneasy.

"Is this really who I am?" "Do I genuinely prioritize this?" We were expected to share our results in a group setting, and as I scanned the room, I realized no one shared my top strength.

Note: This assessment was taken early in my Product Management career, a period marked by insecurity and imposter syndrome. Consequently, the results triggered feelings reminiscent of my dramatic teenage years, where being different felt like a crisis. Spoiler alert: being different isn't a negative!

Dissecting My Strengths

The assessment reveals 34 potential strengths, from which it identifies your top 5. These strengths fall into four categories:

• Strategic Thinking
• Relationship Building
• Influencing
• Executing

Now, let's take a closer look at my results:

1. Significance (Influencing Category)
2. Restorative (Executing Category)
3. Achiever (Executing Category)
4. Futuristic (Strategic Thinking Category)
5. Focus (Executing Category)

The ranking of these strengths is crucial, as it represents the extent to which each trait aligns with my personality. While I view myself as ambitious and independent, the absence of traits in the Relationship Building category made me question my well-roundedness. Let's explore each strength in my top five.

#### 1. Significance

This trait sparked significant internal conflict. Two phrases in the description stood out—"You seek to be recognized by others"—and not in a flattering way. "Do I really crave recognition? Aren't independent individuals indifferent to others' opinions?"

As I continued reading, I recognized that Significance relates more to impact. I aspire to make a difference, but whose measure of significance matters? Is it my own, my supervisor's, or the broader world?

The more I pondered, the more I had to reframe these questions. Who am I trying to impress?

A person embodying the Strength of Significance strives to make a lasting positive impact through their dedication to others and meaningful projects. I came to understand that significance is not solely about personal validation but rather about the influence on those affected.

Rather than assessing impact through personal actions, it's crucial to evaluate it based on the responses of those you touch.

As I engaged more deeply with this pursuit, I discovered that the quest for significance transcends personal aspirations. Individuals with this strength aim to elevate everyone, raising the overall tide.

#### 2. Restorative

Individuals who exhibit the Restorative trait thrive on solving problems. They find energy and resilience in tackling complex and unfamiliar challenges. As a product manager, I resonate with this strength; the stereotypes of navigating ambiguity and serving as a problem solver affirm my career path.

Although I don't always feel motivated to tackle the world's toughest issues, I often find myself invigorated by the challenge rather than intimidated.

#### 3. Achiever

People with the Achiever strength have a strong drive to accomplish goals. However, they may risk burnout by overcommitting and neglecting other life aspects. I often find myself in this predicament; my determination can push me to take on more than I can handle.

While I pride myself on my strong work ethic and goal-oriented mindset, I must acknowledge that I am often the source of my own burnout.

#### 4. Futuristic

Those who possess the Futuristic trait are visionaries, inspired by what the future may hold. They tend to reject complacency and often focus so intensely on future possibilities that they overlook present achievements.

This tendency resonates with my experiences; rather than celebrating recent successes, I'm often preoccupied with what comes next.

#### 5. Focus

Individuals with the Focus trait, like Achievers, are determined but are distinguished by their ability to prioritize effectively. This skill allows them to assess what tasks deserve immediate attention versus those that can wait.

I find that this is a muscle I must continually exercise. Prioritizing isn't a one-time task; it requires daily practice. Some days I excel, while others present challenges, but I strive to determine what deserves my attention first in both personal and professional contexts.

Comparing My Results

In our company, we formed small groups to discuss our results and see how they resonated. Upon joining my group, I immediately felt a wave of anxiety as I compared my results with others. Why was I so different? Did this indicate something was wrong with me?

As I scanned the room, I noted that many other product managers had traits such as "Relator" and "Positivity."

• Relator: Values close relationships and enjoys collaborative work.
• Positivity: Brings enthusiasm and can energize others.

My top traits, Significance and Restorative, were not common in the room, and I lacked some of the more popular traits seen in my colleagues. Many of these individuals excelled in their roles, leading me to question whether I'd ever measure up without sharing similar strengths. (I know, quite dramatic—my early career was a hotbed of insecurity.)

As I shifted focus from my colleagues to my own results, I began to uncover intriguing patterns. The combination of my top five strengths is incredibly powerful.

I can prioritize effectively, tackle problems, and drive toward a meaningful vision. This is a hallmark of leadership. If someone described another individual with such a combination, I would be genuinely impressed.

While there are many layers to unpack (mostly in therapy) regarding why this strength combination feels unexpected, the reality is that it perfectly represents me. Embracing these traits will take me further than resisting them.

Concluding Thoughts

Initially, my results felt like an assault on my self-image. However, as I reflected, I realized they captured my essence accurately. Despite my desire for harmony and positivity, I embrace my drive for impact, problem-solving, inner ambition, forward-thinking, and prioritization.

Would I recommend the Clifton Strengths Assessment? If offered by your company—absolutely! I gained valuable insights into my work preferences and reaffirmed my career choice. While it's essential to take results with a grain of salt, exploring these aspects of yourself can be enlightening. In my case, it was a bit stressful and panic-inducing, but I prefer to remember it as a fun experience in hindsight.

Have you taken the Clifton Strengths Assessment? Did your results resonate with you? Share your thoughts below!

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