Clifton Strengths is an online personality strengths test. The following were my top five dominant traits for the workplace:

MAXIMIZER

Maximizers see talents and strengths in others, usually before anyone else does. Strengths — whether their own or someone else’s — fascinate them. Maximizers love to help others get excited about their potential. They see what people do best and which jobs they will be good at. They can see how people’s talents match the tasks they must complete. Excellence, not average, is their measure and pursuit. They have a quality orientation that leads them to focus on areas of strength for themselves and others and manage weaknesses.

STRATEGIC

People with strong Strategic talents can sort through the clutter to find the best route. You can’t teach this skill. It is a distinct way of thinking — a unique perspective on the world at large. This outlook allows them to see patterns where others see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, they envision alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened?” This recurring question helps them see, plan and prepare for future situations. They see a way when others assume there is no way. Armed with this strategy, they move forward

ADAPTABILITY

People with strong Adaptability talents live in the moment. They don’t see the future as a fixed destination. Instead, they see it as a place that they can create out of the choices they make right now. They discover their future one choice at a time. This doesn’t mean that they don’t have plans. But their Adaptability talents enable them to respond willingly to the demands of the moment, even if circumstances pull them away from their plans. They don’t resent sudden requests or unforeseen detours. They expect them. On some level, they may look forward to them. They are, at heart, very flexible, and they can stay productive when circumstances pull them in many different directions at once.

IDEATION

People with strong Ideation talents are creative and appreciate originality. They relish free-thinking experiences such as brainstorming and discussion groups. They have a natural capacity to consider issues from multiple perspectives. They revel in taking the world we all know and turning it around so people can view it from a strangely enlightening angle. They think outside the box. They are fascinated by new ideas and concepts, which come to them easily. They love ideas because they can be profound, they can be novel, they can be clarifying, they can be contrary, and they can be bizarre. For all of these reasons, they derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to them.

FUTURISTIC

People with strong Futuristic talents love to peer over the horizon. They are fascinated by the future. They anticipate and imagine in detail what tomorrow could or should be. They usually see the future positively. While the details of the picture will depend on their other strengths and interests — a better product, a better team, a better life or a better world — it will always inspire them. This vision energizes themselves and others. They can paint a picture of the future for their team members.

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