Your CliftonStrengths results give you a starting point for understanding your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Many people recognize themselves right away. Others need more time to see how their results show up in everyday life.
If your results feel unexpected, use the steps below to explore them more deeply before you decide what to do next.
Step 1: Review your theme descriptions again
A theme name may mean something different than you expect. Re-read the theme descriptions in your report and look for parts that match how you:
solve problems
make decisions
build relationships
get work done
Tip: Your Signature Themes are your five most dominant themes. You might also see them referred to as your top five.
Step 2: “Try on” your results for a while
Use your results as a lens for a few days or weeks. As you move through your normal routine, watch for moments when a theme shows up—especially under pressure, deadlines, or when you feel energized.
Try this:
Write down 2–3 situations where you felt “most like yourself” this week.
Compare those moments to your theme descriptions.
Step 3: Talk through your results with people who know you well
Share your Signature Themes with a trusted friend, family member, manager, or coworker and ask:
“When do you see these themes in me?”
“What do I do that fits (or doesn’t fit) these descriptions?”
People who know you well can often help you spot patterns you overlook.
Step 4: Trust what resonates—and use your results as a guide
Your report is designed to support your development, not to define or limit you. Focus on the themes that feel most true and useful, and use what you learn to guide how you work, collaborate, and grow.
Retaking the CliftonStrengths assessment
If you’re considering a retake, keep in mind that the CliftonStrengths assessment is designed to provide stable results over time when taken under typical conditions.
Note: If you still want to retake the assessment, you’ll need to purchase new access from the Gallup Store. If you received access through your organization, you'll need to reach out to them to request a new code or email invitation.
Need help interpreting your results?
If you’d like help making sense of your results, consider discussing them with a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach or using CliftonStrengths learning resources available in the Resources section of your Gallup Access account.