Strength Descriptions

Achievers have a constant need for attainment. They have an internal fire burning inside them. It pushes them to do more, to achieve more. People with strong Achiever talents feel as if every day starts at zero. By the end of the day they must accomplish something meaningful to feel good about themselves. And “every day” means every single day — workdays, weekends, holidays, and even vacations. If the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, Achievers feel dissatisfied. Upon finishing a challenging project, they rarely seek to be rewarded with a rest or an easy assignment. While they appreciate recognition for past achievements, their motivation lies in striving toward the next goal on the horizon.

“When can we start?” This is a recurring question for Activators. People with strong Activator talents are impatient for action. They may concede that analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can occasionally yield some valuable insights, but deep down they know that only action is real. Once a decision is made, they must act. Others may worry that “there are still some things we don’t know,” but this doesn’t seem to slow Activators down. They make a decision, take action, look at the result, and learn. The bottom line is this: Activators know they will be judged not by what they say or what they think, but by what they get done. This does not frighten them. It energizes them.

People with strong Adaptability talents live in the moment. They don’t see the future as a fixed destination. Instead, they see it as a place that they can create out of the choices they make right now. They discover their future one choice at a time. This doesn’t mean that they don’t have plans. But their Adaptability talents enable them to respond willingly to the demands of the moment, even if circumstances pull them away from their plans. They don’t resent sudden requests or unforeseen detours. They expect them. Indeed, on some level they may actually look forward to them. They are, at heart, very flexible, and they can stay productive when circumstances pull them in many different directions at once.

People with strong Analytical talents challenge others to “Prove it.” They take a critical approach to what others might quickly accept as truth. They search for the reasons why things are the way they are. They want to understand how certain patterns affect one another. How do they combine? What is the outcome? Does this outcome fit with the theory offered or the situation at hand? These are their questions. Others see them as logical and rigorous. Some may feel that they are negative or unnecessarily critical when they are simply trying to understand something. They bring an objective and dispassionate examination that enables them to find the root causes and effects, and then develop clear thoughts based on facts.

Arrangers are conductors. When faced with a complex situation involving many factors, people with strong Arranger talents enjoy managing all of the variables, aligning and realigning them until they are sure they have arranged them in the most productive configuration possible. They are shining examples of effective flexibility, whether they are changing travel schedules at the last minute because they found a better fare or are mulling over just the right combination of people and resources to accomplish a new project. From the mundane to the complex, they are always looking for the perfect configuration. They are at their best in dynamic situations. Confronted with the unexpected, they jump into the confusion, devise new options, hunt for new paths, and figure out new partnerships — because, after all, there might just be a better way.

People with strong Belief talents have enduring principles by which they live. These values vary from one person to another, but those with powerful Belief talents have deeply held ideals and a strong sense of purpose in their lives. These core values affect their behavior in many ways. Their sense of mission gives their lives meaning and direction; in their view, success is more than money and prestige. Their Belief talents give them direction, guiding them through temptations and distractions toward a consistent set of priorities. This consistency is the foundation for their relationships. They are viewed by others as dependable and trustworthy. Their motivation, drive, and determination come from living their lives according to their values and beliefs.

People with strong Command talents naturally take charge. They see what needs to be done, and they are willing to speak up. They are not frightened by confrontation; rather, they understand that confrontation is the first step toward resolution. They need things to be clear among people and will challenge others to be realistic and honest. Their talent pushes them to take risks. At times, those with strong Command talents may intimidate others. And while some may resent this talent, others often willingly hand them the reins. People are drawn toward those who take a stand and are willing to lead. 

People with strong Communication talents like to explain, describe, host, present, and write. Their natural talents enable them to bring ideas and events vividly to life. They turn thoughts and actions into stories, images, examples, and metaphors. They want their information — whether an idea, an event, a discovery, or a lesson — to captivate the audience. This drives them to hunt for the perfect phrase and draws them toward dramatic words and powerful statements. In the end, this is why people like listening to them. Their word pictures pique interest, provide clarity, and inspire others to act.

Competition is rooted in comparison. For people with strong Competition talents, their performance is their ultimate yardstick. When they look at the world, they are instinctively aware of other people’s performance. They have a deep aspiration to be the best and will work hard to excel — especially in comparison with others. It’s not about the effort; it is about the win. Regardless of effort or intention, even if they reach their goal, their achievement will feel hollow if they did not outperform their peers. They need to compare. If they can compare, they can compete, and if they can compete, they can win.

Things happen for a reason. Those with strong Connectedness talents are sure of it. They have a powerful conviction that everyone is connected. While each person is responsible for his or her own judgments and actions, those with strong Connectedness believe everyone is part of something larger. This belief implies certain responsibilities. Their awareness of these responsibilities creates their value system. They are considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind, they build bridges for people of different cultures. They give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond everyday existence. Their faith is strong. It sustains them and their close friends in the face of life’s mysteries.

Balance is important to those with strong Consistency talents. They are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same, no matter what their station in life, so the scales do not tip too far in any person’s favor. In their view, this leads to selfishness and egotism. People with especially strong Consistency talents see themselves as guardians of what is right and fair. Opposed to special favors, they believe that people function best in a consistent environment with clear rules that apply equally to everyone. This is an environment where people know what is expected. It is predictable and evenhanded. Here, each person has a fair chance to show his or her worth.

Perspective and background are important for people with strong Context talents. They value the retrospective viewpoint because they believe that is where the answers lie. They look back to understand the present. From the past, they can discern blueprints for direction. And, counterintuitively, they become wiser about the future because they can see its seeds sown in the past. People with strong Context may feel disoriented when they can’t see patterns stemming from prior events. Others may become impatient with them as they strive to understand the history of a given situation. But, in the end, this historical context gives them confidence in their decisions.

People with strong Deliberative talents are careful and vigilant. Everything may seem in order, but beneath the surface they sense many risks. Rather than avoiding these hazards, they draw each one out into the open. Then each risk can be identified, assessed, and ultimately reduced. Thus, those with strong Deliberative talents bring a thorough and conscientious approach to making decisions. They take care to consider options, thinking through the pros and cons of each alternative. To them, making the correct choice is more important than the time it takes to do so. They see life as something of a minefield. Others can run through it recklessly if they so choose, but they take a different approach. They identify the dangers, weigh their relative effect, and then place their feet deliberately. They walk with care.

Developers see the potential in others. They naturally see others’ capacity to change, grow, and develop for the better. And they are drawn to people for this reason. Being part of another person’s development is one of the best experiences in the world for them. They look for ways to challenge others. They devise interesting experiences that can stretch people, help them grow, and experience success. All the while, they look for signs of growth — a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, or a glimpse of excellence or of “flow” where previously there were only halting steps. Signs of growth in others are their fuel, bringing Developers motivation and satisfaction.

People with strong Discipline talents thrive in an organized and orderly environment. They like their days to be predictable and planned, so they instinctively find ways to organize their lives. They set up routines. They focus on timelines and deadlines. They break long-term projects into a series of specific, short-term steps, and follow their plan diligently. They are not necessarily neat and tidy, but they do need precision. They create order and structure where needed. Some people may label the highly disciplined as compulsive, meticulous, or control freaks, but these attributes make them productive — often more so than their critics.

People with strong Empathy talents can sense the emotions of those around them. They can feel what others are feeling as though the emotions were their own. They intuitively see the world through others’ eyes and share their perspectives. They perceive people’s pain or joy — sometimes before it is even expressed. Their instinctive ability to understand is powerful. They can hear unvoiced questions and anticipate needs. Where others grapple for words, they seem to find the right things to say and strike the right tone. As a result, they help people express their feelings — to themselves as well as to others. They help people give voice to their emotional lives.

People with strong Focus talents prioritize and then take action. They set goals. These goals serve as their compass, helping them determine priorities and make alterations when needed to get back on course. Their Focus is powerful because it forces them to filter; they instinctively evaluate each action before taking it to determine whether it will help them reach their goal. In the end, strong Focus talents push them to be efficient. They are extremely valuable team members because their single-mindedness enhances the speed and quality of their performance and keeps the team on track.

People with strong Futuristic talents love to peer over the horizon. They are fascinated by the future. They anticipate and imagine in detail what tomorrow could or should be. They usually see the future positively. While the details of the picture will depend on their other strengths and interests — a better product, a better team, a better life, or a better world — it will always be inspirational to them. This vision energizes themselves and others. They can paint a picture of the future that raises the sights and spirits of others.

People with strong Harmony talents want peace and try to bring others together. In their view, little can be gained from conflict and friction, so they seek to hold these to a minimum. Those with strong Harmony see what people have in common, even during conflict. They try to steer others away from confrontation and toward reconciliation. In fact, harmony is one of their guiding values. They seek to help individuals, families, and organizations work together. When others argue, they steer clear of the debate, preferring to talk about practical, down-to-earth matters on which everyone can agree.

People with strong Ideation talents are creative and appreciate originality. They relish free-thinking experiences such as brainstorming and discussion groups. They have a natural capacity to consider issues from multiple perspectives. They revel in taking the world we all know and turning it around so people can view it from a strangely enlightening angle. They think outside the box. They are fascinated by new ideas and concepts, which come to them easily. They love ideas because they can be profound, they can be novel, they can be clarifying, they can be contrary, and they can be bizarre. For all these reasons they derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to them.

“Stretch the circle wider.” This is the philosophy on which people with strong Includer talents center their lives. They want to include people and make them feel like part of the group. They notice people who feel like outsiders or who feel unappreciated and try to reach out and bring them in. They are instinctively accepting of others. Regardless of race, sex, nationality, personality, or faith, Includers cast few judgments. Their accepting nature does not necessarily rest on a belief that each of us is different and that one should respect these differences. Rather, it rests on the conviction that fundamentally we are all the same. We are all equally important. Thus, no one should be ignored. Each of us should be included.

People with strong Individualization talents are intrigued by and have an understanding of the unique qualities of each person. Impatient with generalizations, they focus on the differences among individuals. They instinctively observe each person’s style and motivation, how each thinks, and how each builds relationships. They keenly observe other people’s strengths and draw out the best in each person. Their Individualization talents help them to build productive teams. While some search around for the perfect team “structure” or “process,” they know instinctively that the secret to great teams is casting by individual strengths so that everyone can do a lot of what they do well.

People with strong Input talents are inquisitive. They always want to know more. They crave information. They like to collect certain things, such as ideas, books, memorabilia, quotations, or facts. Whatever they collect, they do it because it interests them. They find many things interesting and have a natural curiosity. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. A few minutes of surfing the Internet may turn into hours once their curiosity takes off. They constantly acquire, compile, and file things away. Their pursuits keep their minds fresh. And they know that one day some of the information or things they have gathered will prove valuable.

People with strong Intellection talents like to think. They like mental activity. They like to exercise the “muscles” of their brain, stretching them in multiple directions. This need for mental activity may be focused; for example, they may be trying to solve a problem, develop an idea, or understand another person’s feelings. The exact focus will depend on their other strengths. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what they are thinking about; it simply describes that they like to think. They like to let their thoughts go in many directions. People with strong Intellection talents are introspective. This introspection gives them time to reflect and ponder. Wherever it leads them, their mental hum is a constant in their lives.

People with strong Learner talents constantly strive to learn and improve. The process of learning is as important to them as the knowledge they gain. Learners are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. They are excited by the thrill of learning new facts, beginning a new subject, and mastering an important skill. Learning builds their confidence. Having Learner as a dominant theme does not necessarily motivate someone to become a subject matter expert or strive for the respect that accompanies earning a professional or academic credential. The outcome of learning is less significant than “getting there.”

Maximizers see talents and strengths in others, usually before anyone else does. Strengths — whether their own or someone else’s — fascinate them. Maximizers love to help others become excited about their potential. They have the capacity to see what people do best and which jobs they will be good at. They can see how people’s talents match the tasks that must be completed. Excellence, not average, is their measure and pursuit. They have a quality orientation that leads them to focus on areas of strength for themselves and others and to manage around weakness.

People with strong Positivity talents are generous with praise, quick to smile, and always on the lookout for the upside of the situation. They bring enthusiasm to people, groups, and organizations. They can stimulate others to be more productive and hopeful. They always seem to find a way to lighten the spirits of those around them. They are optimistic, hopeful, and fun-loving. They celebrate every achievement. They find ways to make everything more exciting and more vital.

Relator talents describe a person’s attitude toward their relationships. In simple terms, people with strong Relator talents are drawn to others they already know. They do not necessarily shy away from meeting new people — in fact, they may have other themes that cause them to enjoy the thrill of turning strangers into friends — but they do derive a great deal of pleasure and strength from being around their close friends. In short, a person with strong Relator talents forms close relationships with people. They may know many people, and they can relate to all kinds of people. But they also have a very small group of friends with whom they have incredibly deep relationships.

People with strong Responsibility talents take psychological ownership for anything they commit to, whether it is large or small, and they feel emotionally bound to follow it through to completion. They keep their promises and honor their commitments. They don’t let people down, and they work very hard to fulfill all of their responsibilities and keep their word. Their conscientiousness, their drive for doing things right, and their impeccable ethics combine to create the reputation of being utterly dependable.

People with strong Restorative talents love to solve problems. While some are dismayed when they encounter yet another breakdown, those with strong Restorative talents are energized by it. They enjoy the challenge of analyzing symptoms, identifying what is wrong, and finding the solution. They like bringing things back to life by fixing them or rekindling their vitality. In short, they bring courage and creativity to problematic situations.

Self-Assurance is similar to self-confidence. People with strong Self-Assurance talents have faith in their strengths and abilities. They know that they are able to take risks, to meet new challenges, to stake claims, and, most importantly, to deliver. But Self-Assurance is more than just self-confidence. People with dominant Self-Assurance talents have confidence not only in their abilities but in their judgment. They have an inner sense of certainty that affirms their direction and decisions. Like the keel of a ship, their strong SelfAssurance talents can withstand many different pressures and keep them on their course.

People with strong Significance talents want others to see their worth. They want to be recognized, heard, and valued. Particularly, they want to be known and appreciated for the unique strengths they bring. They seek to have an impact on people, groups, and society as a whole. They want their contributions viewed as substantial, powerful, and significant. They are motivated by their intense yearning to be recognized, and as a result, they keep reaching. Their Significance theme pulls them upward, away from the mediocre and toward the exceptional.

People with strong Strategic talents have the ability to sort through the clutter and find the best route. This is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking — a special perspective on the world at large. This outlook allows them to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, they are able to envision alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened?” This recurring question helps them see, plan, and prepare for future situations. They see a way when others assume there is no way. Armed with this strategy, they strike forward.

Woo stands for winning others over. People with strong Woo talents enjoy the challenge of encountering new people and gaining their esteem. They are drawn to meeting new people. They want to learn others’ names, ask them questions, and find common interests upon which to build rapport. People with Woo among their top themes can enter a crowd and easily know what to do and say. Some people shy away from starting up conversations because they worry about running out of things to say. People with a lot of Woo do not. They see no strangers — only friends they haven’t met yet.