Discovering your edge: Elevating strengths through assessment
Performance is no longer just about addressing what’s wrong; it's about unlocking what’s right. A strengths assessment is a powerful tool that helps us to discover our unique abilities while enabling organizations to build smarter, more collaborative teams. Here's how embracing strengths can elevate outcomes.
What is a strengths assessment, and where did it come from?
A strengths assessment can identify the innate talents, competencies, and preferences that drive our best performance. Rather than focusing on weaknesses or skill gaps, these assessments uncover what energizes us, where we naturally excel, and how we can contribute most effectively to a team or organization.
The idea of measuring strengths isn’t new, but it gained traction in the early 2000s with the rise of positive psychology, a movement founded by Dr. Martin Seligman that focuses on human potential rather than pathology. One of the most well-known tools to emerge from this movement is the CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder) assessment developed by Donald O. Clifton and the Gallup Organization. This tool identifies 34 distinct talent themes and helps people understand how to lean into their top strengths in work and life.
Other widely used assessments include:
PQ (Positive Intelligence) – identifies primary saboteurs and illuminates how to overcome them
DISC – identifies communication styles
VIA – identifies most important values
Working Genius – identifies styles of work
Gallup Strengths Finder – identifies top overall strengths
Birkman Method – identifies strengths, behaviors, motivations, and interests.
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) – identifies how we perceive the world and make decisions.
8 ways strengths assessments drive real-world results
Each assessment offers a unique lens, but they all share the same purpose: helping individuals and teams understand themselves better so they can engage with clarity and purpose. However, awareness alone isn’t enough. The real power of a strengths assessment comes when insight is translated into action.
Here are eight tangible ways these tools create lasting value for both individuals and organizations.
1. Recognize your value and the value of others
A strengths assessment helps us clearly see what we bring to the table, affirming our unique capabilities and boosting confidence. It also helps us recognize the value of others. It helps turn conflict into collaboration. Friction points in relationships often come from clashing styles. A strengths lens reframes these differences as complementary, improving trust and collaboration in personal and professional relationships. Seeing how others’ strengths differ from yours builds compassion and curiosity, making it easier to relate across personalities and perspectives.
2. Boost your self-confidence
Naming your strengths affirms what you already do well, quieting self-doubt and helping you stand more firmly in your identity.
3. Gain clearer direction with self and others
Patterns in your strengths reveal where you’re most likely to thrive, guiding career choices, personal projects, and lifestyle decisions. Leaders gain visibility into how to build well-rounded teams, leveraging complementary strengths and reducing conflict.
4. Manage your energy well
You learn what activities fuel you and what drains you, allowing you to spend more time in energizing zones and avoid burnout.
5. Enhance your communication
Understanding strengths enables clearer, more respectful communication. It reframes differences as assets rather than friction points. When you can articulate how you operate best, you invite others to do the same. This honesty reduces misunderstandings and fosters stronger, more open relationships.
6. Grow personally and professionally
Instead of forcing yourself to “fix weaknesses,” you find healthier ways to stretch yourself by leaning into what already works for you. Focusing on strengths also reduces burnout and boosts resilience.
7. Excel in leadership
Leaders who understand and leverage their strengths can lead authentically and with greater impact and empathy, bringing out the best in themselves and each member of their team.
8. Improve decision-making for a better life
Knowing your strengths guides how you utilize your resources, time, and talents for the greatest results and satisfaction. When you tap into your strengths, life begins to flow. You move from a place of authenticity and empowerment. Life becomes easier, and more joyful.
Whether you're an individual craving clarity, or a leader seeking to build a more engaged team, a strengths assessment is a catalyst for transformation. At Elev8d Solutions, we specialize in turning that insight into actionable strategy.
Interested in knowing your strengths? Contact andrea@elev8dsolutions to learn more.