In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with James Asplund, Chief Scientist at Gallup and one of the world’s leading experts on strengths-based development, diving into one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth—CliftonStrengths or more widely known as Strengths-Finder 2.0. Strengths-Finder 2.0 can unlock your own potential, as it has for more than 35 million people worldwide! If you’ve ever wondered why some people thrive while others struggle, the answer often comes down to understanding and using their natural strengths. Asplund spent years researching how focusing on what we naturally do best leads to greater success, fulfillment and even happiness. In this episode we explore why knowing your strengths can change the way you approach work, leadership, relationships and life itself. Get ready for a fascinating conversation that just might change how you see—and appreciate—yourself and others better. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!
SHOW NOTES:
JAMES ASPLUND:
- BIO: https://speakerpedia.com/speakers/jim-asplund
- BOOK:
- WEBSITE:
- DISCOVER – How are YOU unique, and what gives YOU an edge over others?
- The CliftonStrengths(R) 34 Report — Assessment Tool —Discover your strengths and get customized insights about what you do best, and then use your strengths to succeed in everything you do.
- DISCOVER – How are YOU unique, and what gives YOU an edge over others?
- OTHER RESOURCES:
- What we learned from 25 Million CliftonStrengths Assessments – by James Asplund and Adam Hickman
- Fighting Burnout with Strengths – by James Asplund and Corey Tatel
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February 16, 2025 at 9:10 pm
There are several helpful dimensions to Clifton Strength Finders especially for helping team members discover more about themselves. I recommend it in this regard. BUT, the development of leaders requires much more than simply focusing on strengths and the Clifton Strength Finders process is overly simplistic for leaders.
First, grace builds on nature if we understand our nature. This is important. We must have a Christian anthropology of human nature. God gives each of us unique gifts and discovering those gifts and applying effort is how we discover our vocation and put meaning over money in our lives.
Second, announcing our strength often implies that we don’t need to work on other areas. Leaders must be agile in recognizing the talents on their team. We must be cross fit–to use the analogy–and work on all our muscles not just the ones that we have natural strength. Our vices keep us from thriving and achieving holiness. We must work on the natural virtues as leaders to improve our judgment, be fair, show both perseverance in doing the difficult good, and balance in our relations; you may recognize these as prudence, justice, courage and temperance.
Third, Strengths do not translate to Virtue which are habits of excellence. The mistake people make is claiming a strength without demonstrating a habit which is a rich area of Catholic thought.
Fourth (and there are more but i will stop here); our strengths are a means but do not help us to reason ethically about our actions. Habits of the intellect are different than habits of the will.
Strengthfinders is a helpful tool but despite the volume of use, it is superficial at best. Use it but don’t define yourself by it. We are all much more than a single assessment.