CliftonStrengths for Students helps students discover and develop their strengths, which can lead to a more fulfilling and successful college or career experience. By understanding their top five themes of talent, students can better connect with their peers, work effectively in teams, and improve their self-confidence.
This tool also provides insights into how students can apply their strengths in academic settings and future careers, enhancing their overall engagement and well-being. Additionally, CliftonStrengths can assist students in making informed decisions about leadership roles, internships, student organizations, and career paths that align with their natural talents.
Parents and Student Advocates can support their students using the Clifton Strengths approach by focusing on identifying and developing their student’s unique talents and strengths. Here are some key ways to do this:
Encourage Self-Discovery
- Take the CliftonStrengths Assessment: High school students can take the CliftonStrengths assessment to identify their top five talent themes. This can help them understand their unique strengths and how they can leverage them in various aspects of their lives.
- Hire a Certified Strengths Coach: Your coach will help your student identify the attributes of their strengths, become aware of how their strengths contribute to their successes, and how they can be applied in school, extracurricular activities, and future career paths.
- Discuss the Results: Have a conversation with your student about their results and what the insights they learned from their coaching session. The more a student shares their strengths, the more they identify with those talents and gain confidence that they can rely on them no matter what their future goals.
Support Strengths Development
- Set Goals: Work with your student to set goals that align with their strengths. For example, if they have the “Learner” strength, encourage them to take advanced courses or pursue independent projects. If they have an “Achiever” strength, work with them to set up a task list that they can check off when they complete goals.
- Provide Feedback: Offer encouragement and reinforcement that they are using their natural talents and are achieving the things that are important to them.
Enhance Academic Performance
- Study Strategies: Help your student develop study strategies that align with their strengths. For instance, if they have the “Focus” strength, create a structured study schedule. If they have the “Strategic” strength, help them break down complex topics into manageable parts.
- Project Selection: Encourage them to choose school projects and assignments that play to their strengths. This can make the work more engaging and less stressful.
Boost Extracurricular Involvement
- Leadership Roles: Encourage your student to take on leadership roles in clubs and organizations that align with their strengths. For example, if they have the “Command” strength, they might excel in a leadership position in student government.
- Team Building: Help them find activities where they can work in teams, such as debate clubs, sports, or volunteer groups. This can enhance their collaboration and communication skills.
Career Exploration
- Internships and Job Shadowing: Use their strengths to guide them in choosing internships, job shadowing opportunities, or part-time jobs. For example, if they have the “Communication” strength, they might benefit from internships in journalism or public relations.
- College and Career Counseling: Work with your student to explore college majors and career paths that align with their strengths. This can help them make more informed decisions about their future.
Build Confidence and Resilience
- Positive Reinforcement: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate their strengths. This can boost their confidence and help them feel more resilient in the face of challenges.
- Encourage Reflection: Help them reflect on their successes and how their strengths contributed to those achievements. This can reinforce the value of their talents.
Foster Independence
- Decision Making: Encourage your student to make decisions based on their strengths. For example, if they have the “Relator” strength, they might benefit from choosing a college where they can build strong relationships with peers and faculty.
- Problem Solving: Teach them to use their strengths to solve problems and overcome obstacles. For instance, if they have the “Adaptability” strength, they can learn to handle unexpected changes with flexibility and creativity.
By focusing on their strengths, high school students can gain a clearer sense of their identity, improve their academic performance, and prepare for a fulfilling future. Parents and School Counselors play a crucial role in this process by providing guidance, support, and resources.