CliftonStrengths® for Teams and Individuals

What is CliftonStrengths®?

CliftonStrengths® (known until 2015 as StrengthsFinder) is a data-based framework that supports the development and performance of individuals, teams and organizations by noticing, appreciating, and applying their natural talents as strengths. It was created by positive psychology pioneer Don Clifton in 1999 and further developed by polling and research company Gallup.

CliftonStrengths® comprises of an online assessment that helps you get started in mapping your personal talents, strengths-based vocabulary to notice them going forward, and heaps of other strengths-based information and tools to make use of your strengths at work and elsewhere. In this framework “Strength” refers to enjoyable, consistent, near-excellent performance in an activity, not how much you can bench press.

What benefits does CliftonStrengths® offer?

The most common benefits from the framework that my clients report to me are:

  • Increased self-awareness

  • Increased self-confidence

  • Novel solutions to existing issues that take into account talents, strengths and potential blind spots

  • More effective and less stressful communication both at work (eg with colleagues and managers) and other spheres of life (eg with a partner)

  • A more individualized way of leading people that takes into account and values each person's uniqueness.

In addition, Gallup has collected and published large amounts of data on the effects of strengths-based approaches, eg here and here. Peer-review scientific work is sparser, but some examples can be found here and here.

For me, CliftonStrengths® offers an excellent balance of data-based foundations and everyday applicability.

What can I offer you regarding CliftonStrengths®?

  • I am a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach since 2021, with over 10 years of total experience applying CliftonStrengths in my own life, with individuals, and teams. I have worked with senior leadership teams, managers, team leads, and individual contributors, and also helped build a strengths-based culture at my own organization of 350 people.

  • For individuals, I offer a journey of:

    • Taking the Cliftonstrengths® assessment,

    • An initial one-on-one consultation to get the most out of your results,

    • Personalized materials to support your next steps.

    • In addition, if we both see a good fit, we can move on to strengths-informed coaching, which allows me to leverage our shared understanding of your talents to support you in moving towards your goals.

  • For teams, I construct a tailor-made strengths journey that fits you.

    • I usually offer the same indvidual services as above to all team members - the assessment, an initial consultation, and follow-up materials.

    • Then we often conduct a few strengths-based workshops spread over a few months with the team to support understanding and applying that knowledge in an everyday context.

    • Teams is where I see the "magic" of Cliftonstrengths® truly shine the most, as conversations qualitatively change when all members are aware of each others' talents and strengths. The main focus of my workshops will be to make the team independently strengths-based. Accordingly, we will practice the habits and skills needed to work as a strengths-based team, and foster activity between our sessions.

    • Depending on your needs, we can continue work on specific topics while taking advantage of the team’s strengths, or you can take it from there.

  • For organizations looking to support their strengths-based culture, I can offer consultation, mentorship, and facilitation to get you on your way, either together or independently. Contact me and we can discuss further.

Additional information regarding CliftonStrengths®

  • Our collaboration with Mihkel was sincere, systematic, thorough, and exciting. I appreciate his ability to support relationship development within a team, his effective and well-thought-out materials, and his commitment to providing clients with the maximum possible benefit. He is open, present, and helps people feel psychologically safe during his trainings.

    Külli Lilleorg, Partner at Fontes

  • For me, CliftonStrengths is one of the best frameworks I've encountered for personal and team growth. It not only helps us discuss our natural traits but also provides many practical methods for supporting performance. Mihkel, as a trainer, differentiates himself by putting the participants first, having an unbelievably thorough grasp of the field, and structuring each day in a way that supports our development.

    Margus Nõlvak, CEO

  • Mihkel has an excellent process for introducing teams to CliftonStrength. I appreciated his proactive and practical approach with individual consultations, workshops, interactive exercises, and materials. He kept in touch to assess our needs and plan next steps. Our collaboration allowed participants the freedom to be themselves and use that uniqueness to benefit the team. I'm very happy for choosing Mihkel as our partner for this.

    Kadi Steinberg, Head of Energy Solutions Development

Hi again!

If you’d like to request my services or connect in a meaningful way about any information I’ve shared, please use the form. Let me know which services you’re interested in and any context you feel might be useful right off the bat.