Boost Team Development with CliftonStrengths

Clifton Strengths Team Grid example
A team grid demonstrates how each person fits uniquely into the domains of strengths-based leadership.

Team-building and development are essential to many critical functions of a team, including communication, collaboration, morale, and productivity. Most importantly, it contributes to establishing and maintaining team trust, which is directly tied to innovation, effective decision-making, and employee retention. 

A Strengths Foundation

There are numerous options available when it comes to team-building and development, but here are a few reasons why CliftonStrengths is a favorite:

  • It is like building the foundation of a house. Knowing, understanding, and appreciating each team member’s CliftonStrengths provides teams with the cement for a sturdy base.
  • It creates a shared language and embraces our differences. No two people think, communicate, address conflict, or are motivated precisely the same way. Teams that have strengths-based conversations can capitalize on the differences, support each other, and celebrate collective successes!
  • It has a developmental focus. “I’ve done strengths” is a phrase that makes me cringe. Taking the CliftonStrengths assessment is only one step; there is a long road of development that most people and teams leave undiscovered. As a team, issues can be resolved quicker when you return to that strengths-based foundation. Whether the issue is communication, conflict, time management, or more, strengths can help pinpoint where the cracks in the foundation may be, facilitating a more personalized path forward.

Eric Dusseault (Student Success) explained the benefits his team experienced from using a “shared language” of CliftonStrengths: “Understanding our CliftonStrengths allows us to strategize better and execute projects, allowing team members to lean into their strengths where they can really shine or explore an area they would like to develop further. My office utilized CliftonStrengths to [better] understand how they analyze and present data, which many staff members felt they couldn’t do because they didn’t have a proper background.”  

Team Development as a Priority

The monthly HR Builds emails encourage staff members to partake in learning opportunities. But did you know that managers can work with HR to schedule opportunities designed specifically for their teams? It can be for a topic already being offered or something different. The Talent Development team and your HR Business Partner can collaborate to curate content to help you reach your goals. Benefits of team-specific sessions include:

  • Customized content using real-life examples of your team’s struggles and successes;
  • Enhanced team building: you’re learning together and learning more about each other;
  • Demonstrated prioritization of team improvement;
  • Actionable ways to keep the conversation going post-session and throughout the year.

Jenn Nival (Student Engagement and Leadership) shared how team-building using CliftonStrengths has improved her team’s productivity: “I have gained a deeper understanding of my leadership style and how to support my team effectively. By identifying and embracing my own strengths, I have become more self-aware, understanding my areas of expertise and those where I may need assistance. By identifying and leveraging each team member’s strengths, I have and can maximize their potential. CliftonStrengths has played a crucial role in empowering my team and enhancing our collective success.”

Utilize HR Support

We know how difficult it can be to “find the time” to make this happen. But we also know that committing to building and developing your team can lead to greater productivity, more employee engagement, and increased overall well-being. To get started, you are now able to access personalized resources on Google Drive. Reach out to HR’s Talent Development team and your HR Business Partner to consult on training support. 

Kellie Fuller (HR)