How to Build a Thriving Team Using Gallup Clifton Strengths

As a leader, you're always striving for team success. You understand that bringing together a group of talented individuals is only the first step; the real challenge lies in transforming those individuals into a cohesive, high-performing unit that can achieve great things together. 

One powerful tool that can help you do this is leveraging Gallup’s CliftonStrengths, an approach that’s revolutionised how leaders think about talent management and team dynamics.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how you can harness the power of CliftonStrengths to build a thriving team, offering practical insights and tips that you can apply today. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a larger organisation, this approach will help you create a culture of collaboration, trust, and high performance.

What Are Gallup’s CliftonStrengths and Why Are They Important?

Before diving into how to use CliftonStrengths in your team, let’s quickly break down what these strengths are and why they matter.

CliftonStrengths is a powerful assessment tool developed by Gallup that identifies an individual’s natural talents and strengths across 34 categories. These strengths are not just skills; they are inherent ways that people approach tasks, make decisions, and interact with others. The assessment helps individuals identify their top five strengths, which are often a combination of thinking styles, behavioural patterns, and interpersonal dynamics.

The power of CliftonStrengths lies in its ability to shift the focus from what people are lacking to what they naturally excel at. Instead of spending time trying to “fix” weaknesses, you’ll focus on leveraging each person’s strengths to enhance their performance. This leads to greater engagement, increased productivity, and a more harmonious work environment where everyone feels valued for who they truly are.

Why Should You Use CliftonStrengths to Build a Thriving Team?

Building a thriving team is about more than just hiring talented individuals. It’s about creating an environment where those individuals can work together effectively, using their unique strengths to complement each other. Here's how CliftonStrengths can play a pivotal role:

• Increased Engagement: People are more engaged when they can use their strengths in their roles. By tapping into what your team members do best, you can boost morale and satisfaction.
• Improved Performance: Teams that leverage their strengths are often more effective because they spend less time on tasks that drain their energy and more time doing what they excel at.
• Enhanced Collaboration:** When team members understand each other’s strengths, they can collaborate more effectively, knowing who to approach for help on specific tasks or who to delegate certain projects to.
• Diverse Perspectives: Teams with a variety of strengths bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving, making them more creative and better equipped to handle complex challenges.

Step 1: Identify Gallup Strengths in Your Team

The first step to building a strengths-based team is to identify the strengths of each member. This is where the CliftonStrengths assessment comes in. It provides a detailed breakdown of an individual’s top strengths and a deep understanding of how those strengths can be applied within a team setting.

Encourage your team to take the CliftonStrengths assessment and make the results accessible to everyone. Share the findings in a way that’s positive and celebratory, rather than focusing on gaps or weaknesses. The goal is to empower your team by helping them see the value they bring to the table.

It’s also important to note that the assessment results are a starting point. Team members should take time to reflect on the results and have open conversations about how their strengths show up in their daily work. This kind of dialogue helps to build self-awareness and foster a growth mindset.

Step 2: Create a Strengths-Based Team Culture

Once you’ve identified everyone’s strengths, the next step is to create a culture that embraces and celebrates those strengths. Here’s how you can do that:

• Open Communication: Create a safe space where team members can discuss their strengths openly. Encourage them to talk about how they use their strengths in their work and how they like to contribute to team projects.
• Align Strengths with Roles:** Ensure that each team member is doing work that aligns with their natural strengths. When people work in roles that leverage their strengths, they’re more likely to feel energized and motivated.
• Delegate Based on Strengths:** When assigning tasks or projects, take note of who on the team excels in certain areas. For example, someone with high communication strengths might thrive in a client-facing role, while someone with strong strategic thinking may be great at planning or problem-solving.

Creating this strengths-based culture also requires regular check-ins and feedback. Make it a habit to check in with your team members about how they’re using their strengths and if there’s anything they need to thrive further.

Step 3: Maximise Team Performance with Gallup Strengths

Once you’ve aligned your team with their strengths, the next step is maximising their performance. Here’s how you can do that:

• Focus on Collaboration: Encourage team members to collaborate based on complementary strengths. For instance, someone with a strong focus on relationships can work closely with someone who has a talent for executing ideas. When strengths complement each other, you create synergy within the team.
• Foster Accountability: A strengths-based team thrives on accountability, as team members understand that their contributions are valued. This can lead to a more self-motivated and engaged workforce.
• Create Opportunities for Growth: Help your team members grow by encouraging them to build on their strengths. This doesn’t mean ignoring weaknesses, but rather, creating opportunities for them to further develop their natural talents. Encourage cross-training and mentoring to spread the knowledge and skills throughout the team.

Maximising team performance also means recognising when things are going well and celebrating those wins. By highlighting the impact of strengths, you build momentum and reinforce the benefits of working within a strengths-based culture.

Step 4: Build Trust and Collaboration Among Team Members

One of the most profound benefits of building a strengths-based team is the trust and collaboration that naturally arises. When team members understand and appreciate each other’s strengths, it’s easier for them to trust one another and collaborate more effectively.

- **Promote a Culture of Appreciation:** Encourage team members to recognize and celebrate each other’s strengths. Acknowledge the unique contributions everyone brings to the table, and show gratitude for their efforts.
- **Encourage Shared Goals:** Build team unity by creating common goals that everyone can work toward. When team members know their individual strengths contribute to the larger picture, it creates a sense of purpose and cohesion.
- **Foster Empathy:** A strengths-based approach fosters empathy. When people understand that their colleagues may approach problems differently, they’re more likely to be patient, flexible, and open to collaboration.

Step 5: Continuously Improve and Evolve

Building a thriving team with CliftonStrengths is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. Strengths evolve as individuals grow in their roles, so it’s important to continue fostering a strengths-based culture and encourage regular reflection.

As you assess your team’s progress, be sure to make adjustments and offer opportunities for further development. Regular feedback and open dialogue about strengths are crucial to ensuring long-term success.

To Sum Things Up

Using CliftonStrengths to build a thriving team isn’t just about maximising performance, it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and engaged in their work. By focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, you’ll cultivate a culture of trust, collaboration, and high performance.

As a leader, it’s your job to unlock the potential within your team. When you do, you’ll not only improve individual performance but also create a team that’s capable of achieving extraordinary results together. 

WANT TO INVEST IN GALLUP STRENGTHS COACHING?

Hi there, I’m Mandy

As a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach & award-winning Leadership Mentor, I offer both individual coaching and team packages to UK-Based Businesses. 

If you're interested in working together, feel free to check out my offering here or download my free price guide, which explains more about my ethos, services and pricing.

I'd be delighted to help you and your team discover your unique brilliance and help you thrive.