Take Action on Your Big Five results using CliftonStrengths

Written By Paula Castillo

Take Action on Your Big Five results using CliftonStrengths

Have you taken both the CliftonStrengths®, and the Big Five (AKA Five-Trait Model, or OCEAN) assessments? Each offers valuable insights into who you are and how you approach the world. While the Big Five describes your core traits, your CliftonStrengths results can help you figure out what to do next with that knowledge.

In this blog post I explore how these two frameworks connect by identifying which CliftonStrengths correlate with each of the Big Five traits so you can take action.

As you read through these ideas please note that there are benefits to being at both ends of the Big Five Scales. Also, themes don’t define who you or your colleagues—they show up uniquely for each person given their other stends and the context they are in. For example, even if you don’t have the typical themes associated with Openness, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t creative or open minded. For instance, Harmony might traditionally correlate* with maintaining stability, but for you, it could show up as being open to different perspectives by focusing on connections between people.

 

Taking action on your Big Five results with CliftonStrengths

Openness

Openess is about being open to new experiences and perspectives. Research shows that high scorers may have highly connected brains, enabling them to link seemingly unrelated concepts, be creative, open-minded, and intellectually curious. People with low Openness scores also have their unique strengths including stability and reliability.

Action Step: Check your CliftonStrengths 34 Report for practical ideas on how to embrace your Openness score: whether you would like to make the most of your innate creativity and curiosity, or your ability to provide stability and reliability.

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS

Conscientiousness measures self-discipline, responsibility, and goal-oriented behaviors. It involves impulse control—resisting short-term temptations to pursue long-term goals, often referred to as willpower. This ability is linked to the brain's frontal lobe, which governs planning and judgment. The frontal lobe helps us manage basic urges ("I want to watch that movie") and focus on more complex goals ("I need to finish this report"). It’s important to note that even if you don’t score high in Conscientiousness, that doesn’t mean you lack discipline in any context. On the other hand, there are strengths associated with low Conscientiousness, which include greater comfort with uncertainty, change, and lack of structure

Action Step: Review your CliftonStrengths 34 Report to find strategies to make the most of your Conscientiousness score: whether to enhance your willpower or provide support during times of change.

EXTRAVERSION

Extraversion isn’t just about being social; it’s about the energy and satisfaction gained from connecting with others and engaging in new experiences. High scorers tend to feel more intense positive emotions. Studies show people with high Extraversion scores react more strongly to happy stimuli, driven by higher dopamine activity, which can motivate them to seek more contact with others and new experiences. There are also strengths associated with low in Extraversion; those with lower scores may be great at developing deep, trusting relationships, or at identifying risks before taking action.

Action Step: Review your CliftonStrengths 34 Report to find strategies to make the most of your Extraversion score: whether to build your network and try new things at work, or to identify potential risks with new endeavors and cultivate trusting relationships.

AGREEABLENESS

Agreeableness involves two key aspects of emotional intelligence: understanding others' emotions and prioritizing their feelings when making decisions. If you score high in Agreeableness, you’re likely both aware of and concerned about others' emotions. Having low agreeableness can come with several benefits too, particularly in situations where critical thinking, and independence are valuable, and also, healthy boundaries.

Action Step: Review your CliftonStrengths 34 Report to find strategies to make the most of your Agreeableness score: whether to understand other’s emotions at work, or to provide healthy boundaries.

NEUROTICISM

Neuroticism (or Negative Emotionality) measures sensitivity to negative emotions like fear, anxiety, and sadness. Studies show highly neurotic individuals have stronger, longer-lasting responses to negative stimuli, such as sad or frightening images. There isn’t a strong correlation between a specific CliftonStrength theme and Neuroticism.

Action Step: While there isn’t a direct comparison in CliftonStrengths, teaming up with people who have themes like Positivity, Deliberative, Restorative, and Analytical in their top 10 could offer practical ways to approach challenges by mitigating risks, solving problems, or analyzing situations thoroughly.

how to take action with clifton strengths

  1. Identify your talents: Look for the CliftonStrengths themes that align with your Big Five results from the list above.

  1. Check your report: Review your top 5 or top 10 CliftonStrengths themes to see if they correlate with your Big Five traits.

  2. Take practical steps:

    • Use the "Take Action to Maximize Your Potential" section of your CliftonStrengths 34 Report, or

    • Use the "Apply Your [Strength] to Succeed" section of your Top 5 Results.

*Correlations derived from my experience coaching close to 100 individuals on their stregths, as well as Gallup's CliftonStrengths Technical Report.
 

Book a free call with me to take practical action based on deep insight

If you're ready to unlock your potential and explore how CliftonStrengths can enhance your productivity and growth, let's connect! Contact me today to request a free 30-minute consultation and start taking action based on your strengths.

Paula Castillo
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Resources to Help You Make the Most of Your CliftonStrengths 34 Report