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Understanding the Influencing Domain of CliftonStrengths

The 34 CliftonStrengths themes sort into four domains, or categories. Learn more about the eight themes that comprise the Influencing domain, introduced in Gallup's bestselling book Strengths Based Leadership and uncovered by the CliftonStrengths assessment.

An Introduction to the Influencing Domain Themes

Every team needs to communicate, both inside and outside the group. No matter your goals, effective communication is essential to achieving them.

High-performing teams rely on people with strong Influencing themes because they take charge, speak up and make sure others are heard.

When your team needs to sell its ideas and persuade others, look to people with the following Influencing themes. They can help your team reach a much broader audience and convince others to aid in accomplishing your goals.

Activator

People exceptionally talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They want to do things now, rather than simply talk about them.

Learn more about this CliftonStrengths theme

Command

People exceptionally talented in the Command theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions.

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Communication

People exceptionally talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.

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Competition

People exceptionally talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.

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Maximizer

People exceptionally talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.

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Self-Assurance

People exceptionally talented in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to take risks and manage their own lives. They have an inner compass that gives them certainty in their decisions.

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Significance

People exceptionally talented in the Significance theme want to make a big impact. They are independent and prioritize projects based on how much influence they will have on their organization or people around them.

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Woo

People exceptionally talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with someone.

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How to Develop Strong Teams Using the Influencing Domain of CliftonStrengths

The best teams are made up of individuals who understand their own -- and others' -- unique contributions to the team.

Sure, you want a team whose collective CliftonStrengths are relatively well-balanced.

But as noted in Strengths Based Leadership, building a team with the right mix of CliftonStrengths is just the starting point.

According to research in Gallup's bestselling book It's the Manager:

Awareness of team members' strengths is far more predictive of team engagement and performance than the composition of a team's strengths.

So, how can you empower your team members to develop and apply their CliftonStrengths and appreciate their teammates' strengths?

Learn more about the other CliftonStrengths domains


Purchase the CliftonStrengths assessment for your team members to understand how strong the Influencing themes and all the 34 CliftonStrengths are among your team.

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Shop our CliftonStrengths coaching and management resources to lead your team to be more cohesive, versatile, productive and engaged.

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