There are so many dimensions to CliftonStrengths, and so many ways that we can understand ourselves more deeply. It gives us a powerful, positive affirmation of who we are and how we’re made. But what if our strengths could actually help us name our needs? It’s ok if that question makes you just a little uncomfortable or confused. It still makes me squirm a little.

Raise your hand if your parents, grandparents, or Sunday School teachers engrained in you the Golden Rule? It’s a good rule, but the more I work with individuals and teams, the more I see that the Golden Rule isn’t enough, at least not from the perspective of servant leadership.

"I took the CliftonStrengths assessment so long ago” (or “when I was in a different job” or “when I was a student” or “when I was in a bad mood” or “when the moon was full” etc.). “Should I retake it?" In all its many forms, I get asked this question all the time. The short answer is…

A few months ago, I was preparing to lead a CliftonStrengths discovery session with some college students, and I needed to run a quick errand. While in the car, I heard these lyrics: “Have you ever felt like being somebody else? Feeling like the mirror isn't good for your health?”

“I don’t know… I’m just weird like that.” It was this comment from a client - who had just been describing how she preferred to process information - that prompted me to respond, “Not weird - just wired.” It was a lightbulb moment.