Lead Through Strengths - Build a Training and Coaching Practice, Based on Strengths

Lisa Cummings and Brea Roper
  • 4.9 (177)
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Lisa Cummings and Brea Roper help you lead teams, build your work culture, and improve relationships with CliftonStrengths A.K.A StrengthsFinder. The "Lead Through Strengths" podcast was created for you if you're ready to stop taking the "path of most resistance" at work and in life. It sounds silly, yet it happens all the time when people get focused on fixing their weaknesses. It doesn't have to be so hard. Stop focusing on what's broken about you. Lisa Cummings, one host, is a Gallup Certified Strengths Performance Coach, so she brings you a wealth of corporate wisdom, combined with Gallup research. She's also certified by the Life Coach School and has an MBA, so she brings a good combo of business and coaching. Brea Roper, your other host, is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. She is incredible at helping you cast a vision for your future - using your natural talents. She's especially talented at leading personal retreats in Kansas City, MO (and she will travel). Many episodes are educational Q&A from our corporate clients. They're usually questions we get in our StrengthsFinder corporate workshops. Over 34 Million people have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment. With this show, you'll learn how to find your strengths and put them to work. If you manage a team, you'll hear ideas for leading your so your colleagues can come to work feeling more energized and engaged. We publish by season. Season 1: Career Q&A Season 2: Strengths Interviews Season 3: StrengthsFinder Q&A (also known as CliftonStrengths assessment) Season 4: Team Building 12 Week Strengths Challenge Season 5: One StrengthsFinder Talent Theme Per Week: Career Branding Adjectives for your personal brand, red flag situations for that talent theme, and action items to put that talent to use Season 6: Nine Core Concepts of Strengths Season 7: Facilitator Interviews (because, who needs Lisa only - we have lots of other great StrengthsFinder trainers for you) Season 8: CliftonStrengths Customer Q&A Season 9: The Foundations of Strengths and Mindset Season 10: Coach the Coach - Brea and Lisa help you build your independent coaching practice, or implement strengths into your work culture There's a lot of confusion about the name of the assessment because it is difficult to spell (or put the singular/plural in the right spot), and it has changed names. All of these are the same survey tool: StrengthsFinder 2.0, StrengthsFinders, StrengthFinders, StrengthFinder, StrengthsFinder, Clifton Strengths, CliftonStrengths, Clifton StrengthsFinder. Despite the difficulty with the word, the content all points to Strengths Based Development and leadership using StrengthsFinder with your team. In addition: here are some hot topic areas covered by audience questions so far: Getting promoted; discovering your strengths; differentiating yourself; coaching and feedback; marketing, branding, and promoting yourself; getting unstuck; developing your direct reports; noticing what works on your team; connecting and networking; personal leadership; politics and perceptions at the office; getting viewed as an A player; building trust and influence at work or in your industry; being a people-leader that you want to be, even when you're short on time; how to get your creative mojo back; understanding how your EQ (emotional intelligence) is more important than your IQ at work; stuff you didn't learn in business school that's hurting your career; getting unstuck and un-trapped; being a better leader; solving problems; getting past confusion; aligning your mind, body, and purpose in life; managing major life transitions; and taking a minute to reflect on what you really want in life

  1. 19H AGO

    Consistency - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Consistency, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Consistency The Consistency talent theme is grounded in fairness, structure, and reliability. People with this strength are naturally practical, predictable, and efficient. At its core, Consistency is about creating environments where everyone is treated equally and expectations are clear. These individuals instinctively look for ways to reduce variance, establish standards, and ensure that processes are applied evenly. People who lead through Consistency often describe themselves as leveling, compliant, steady, and fair-minded. In fact, way back in the early days of StrengthsFinder, this talent was known as Fairness - then it later changed to Consistency. What motivates them most is a system that works the same way for everyone. They value predictability, clear rules, and procedures that make environments dependable and equitable.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Consistency is operating at its best, it brings stability, reliability, and fairness to any setting. This strength promotes cultural predictability, supports uniformity, and helps people trust that decisions will be made objectively. Consistency talent often shows up through productive team-contribution-roles like standardizer, systematizer, referee, or even as a rule-enforcer. These individuals shine when processes need structure and people need assurance that expectations are applied evenly. While others may focus on exceptions, Consistency focuses on fairness for all.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Choose one routine or process in your day and intentionally repeat it the exact same way. Then notice how consistency affects your efficiency, clarity, or peace of mind.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min

  2. APR 26

    Connectedness - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Connectedness, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Connectedness The Connectedness talent theme is rooted in meaning, unity, and awareness of how everything fits together. People with this strength are naturally perceptive, listening-oriented, philosophic, and integrating. At its core, Connectedness is about seeing the bigger picture. These individuals instinctively sense relationships between people, events, and ideas. They often feel drawn toward something larger than themselves, whether that's a cause, a community, or a shared purpose. People who lead through Connectedness frequently describe themselves as comforting, seeking, and often…spiritual. We also see a lot of nature-lovers who lead through Connectedness. What motivates them most is the chance to help people see connections. They love recognizing patterns of continuity and helping others understand how separate parts can form a meaningful whole.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Connectedness is operating at its best, it brings unity, empathy, and perspective to any environment. This strength naturally integrates parts into wholes and approaches people with acceptance, care, and consideration. Connectedness talent often shows up through relationship-roles like bridge-builder, unifier, integrator, or seeker. These individuals shine when divisions appear. While others may see separation, Connectedness sees relationships. Their ability to build bridges helps groups move from fragmentation toward shared understanding.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think about a situation where people seem disconnected or divided. Ask yourself: What common thread might already exist here that no one is noticing? Then name that connection out loud to someone involved.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min

  3. APR 19

    Competition - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Competition, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Competition The Competition talent theme is fueled by comparison, performance, and the pursuit of excellence. People with this strength are naturally driven, intense, measuring, and motivated by winning. At its core, Competition is about results. These individuals instinctively track progress, measure outcomes, and evaluate performance. They are energized when there's a scoreboard, a benchmark, or a clear standard to beat. People who lead through Competition often describe themselves as discerning, aspiring, metrics-focused, and selective. What motivates them most is the opportunity to compete against strong performers. They love outperforming others and testing themselves against the best. Coming in second or working without measurement tends to drain their drive.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Competition is operating at its strongest, it raises the bar for everyone. This strength brings aspiration, focus, and the determination to excel. It naturally pushes standards higher and encourages others to perform at their best. Competition talent often shows up through roles like winner, comparer, scorekeeper, or measurer. These individuals thrive in environments where performance can be evaluated and progress can be tracked. While others may avoid comparison, Competition leans into it and uses it as fuel for growth and achievement.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Choose one area of your work or life and create a simple metric to track your performance. It could be time, output, consistency, or improvement. Then set a personal benchmark and aim to beat it tomorrow. Notice how motivation changes when progress becomes measurable.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min

  4. APR 12

    Communication - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Communication, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Communication The Communication talent theme thrives on expression, connection, and the power of words. People with this strength are naturally verbal, expressive, conversational, and captivating. At its core, Communication is about sharing ideas in ways that others can feel, understand, and remember. These individuals instinctively turn thoughts into stories and moments into messages. People who lead through Communication often describe themselves as interactive, entertaining, presenting, and transparent. What motivates them most is the opportunity to be heard and understood. They love storytelling, engaging an audience, and helping others express their own ideas clearly and meaningfully.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Communication is operating at its best, it brings clarity, engagement, and connection to any environment. This strength helps important messages stand out, helps people feel included, and turns information into something people actually want to listen to. Communication talent often shows up through roles like storyteller, presenter, explainer, writer, or conversationalist. These individuals shine when ideas need to be shared, stories need to be told, or understanding needs to be built. Their words can create bridges between people, perspectives, and possibilities.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Take one idea you've been thinking about and share it out loud with someone. Instead of explaining it logically, tell it as a short story. Notice how your message lands differently when it's expressed rather than just thought.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min

  5. APR 5

    Command - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Command, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Command The Command talent theme is driven by decisiveness, clarity, and influence. People with this strength are naturally assertive, strong-willed, candid, and persuasive. At its core, Command is about presence. These individuals instinctively step forward when direction is needed. They don't shy away from tough conversations or difficult truths. Instead, they bring them into the open so progress can happen. People who lead through Command often describe themselves as driven, challenging, opinionated, and clarifying. What motivates them most is the opportunity to set direction, resolve uncertainty, and move situations out of chaos into clarity. They feel energized when they can express ideas openly and influence outcomes.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Command is operating at its strongest, it brings emotional clarity, decisive action, and conflict resolution to any environment. This strength helps people understand one another, resolve misunderstandings, and move forward with confidence. Command talent often shows up through roles like leader, challenger, persuader, driver, or clarifier. These individuals shine when situations feel uncertain or tense. While others may hesitate, Command steps in, names what's happening, and helps create direction. Their willingness to state truth, even when it's uncomfortable, can unlock momentum for everyone involved.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think of one situation where something feels unclear or unresolved. Initiate a direct conversation to clarify it. State one truth, ask one honest question, and listen for one clear answer. Notice how quickly clarity changes the energy of the situation.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min

  6. MAR 29

    Belief - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Belief, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Belief The Belief talent theme is grounded in conviction, purpose, and deeply held values. People with this strength are naturally principled, committed, stable, and passionate. At its core, Belief is about meaning. These individuals are guided by a strong internal compass that shapes their decisions, priorities, and direction in life. Their values are not surface-level preferences. They're foundational truths. People who lead through Belief often describe themselves as certain, unchanging, and service-minded. What motivates them most is staying in alignment with their most deeply held values. They love contributing to causes that improve people's lives and feel energized when their efforts serve something bigger than themselves.     When This Strength Is Thriving: When Belief is operating at full strength, it brings stability, clarity, and conviction to any environment. This strength often creates trust because others experience these individuals as dependable, ethical, and consistent. Belief talent frequently shows up through roles like contributor, believer, or simply being the person in the room who keeps the intention true. These individuals provide grounding when situations feel uncertain. While others may shift direction easily, Belief offers a steady center rooted in purpose and principle.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think about one task or commitment on your schedule. Ask yourself: How does this connect to what matters most to me? If you see the connection, lean into it with renewed intention. If you don't, consider one small way to realign it with your values.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min

  7. MAR 22

    Arranger - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Arranger, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Arranger The Arranger talent theme thrives in complexity, coordination, and real-time problem solving. People with this strength are naturally flexible, resourceful, collaborative, and able to think about multiple variables at once. At its core, Arranger is about orchestration. These individuals instinctively sense how different people, resources, and moving parts can work together in the most effective way. They don't just see pieces. They see systems. Arrangers often describe themselves as interactive, multi-thinking, configuring, and real-time thinkers. What motivates them most is the chance to manage complexity. They love multifaceted projects, necessary change, and opportunities to adjust plans dynamically. Rigid structure and resistance to change tend to drain their energy.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Arranger is operating at its best, it brings coordination, adaptability, and strategic resourcefulness to any situation. This strength allows someone to work effectively through others, stay comfortable with many moving parts, and rearrange variables to create better outcomes. Arranger talent often shows up through roles like orchestrator, conductor, coordinator, juggler, or rearranger. These individuals shine in dynamic environments where plans need adjusting and systems need optimizing. While others may feel overwhelmed by complexity, Arrangers see opportunity to refine, realign, and improve.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours…   Look at one project or responsibility you're managing. Rearrange just one variable. Shift a task order, reassign a role, or change a process step. Then observe whether that adjustment creates smoother flow or better results.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode.  What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min

  8. MAR 15

    Analytical - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Analytical, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!       Today's Strength Snapshot is Analytical The Analytical talent theme is driven by logic, evidence, and clarity. People with this strength are naturally objective, questioning, data-driven, and numbers-oriented. At its core, Analytical is about understanding how things actually work. These individuals instinctively look for patterns, causes, and proof. They don't accept ideas at face value. They test them. Analytical thinkers often describe themselves as scientific, skeptical, and dispassionate. What motivates them most is reliable information. They love facts, evidence, and discovering patterns in data. They feel energized when ideas can be supported, measured, and verified.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Analytical is operating at its best, it brings grounded reasoning and thoughtful precision to any situation. This strength helps simplify complexity, think through multiple variables, and approach decisions logically and objectively. Analytical talent often shows up through roles like scientist, observer, measurer, fact finder, or logician. These individuals provide clarity when situations feel confusing. They slow things down just enough to ensure decisions are based on reality, not assumptions. Their thinking builds trust because others know conclusions are backed by evidence.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Choose one decision you're facing. Write down the facts you know, the facts you need, and one assumption you might be making. Then gather just one missing piece of information before deciding. Notice how clarity increases as evidence replaces uncertainty.       Well, that's a wrap for today's episode.  What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today?

    2 min
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About

Lisa Cummings and Brea Roper help you lead teams, build your work culture, and improve relationships with CliftonStrengths A.K.A StrengthsFinder. The "Lead Through Strengths" podcast was created for you if you're ready to stop taking the "path of most resistance" at work and in life. It sounds silly, yet it happens all the time when people get focused on fixing their weaknesses. It doesn't have to be so hard. Stop focusing on what's broken about you. Lisa Cummings, one host, is a Gallup Certified Strengths Performance Coach, so she brings you a wealth of corporate wisdom, combined with Gallup research. She's also certified by the Life Coach School and has an MBA, so she brings a good combo of business and coaching. Brea Roper, your other host, is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. She is incredible at helping you cast a vision for your future - using your natural talents. She's especially talented at leading personal retreats in Kansas City, MO (and she will travel). Many episodes are educational Q&A from our corporate clients. They're usually questions we get in our StrengthsFinder corporate workshops. Over 34 Million people have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment. With this show, you'll learn how to find your strengths and put them to work. If you manage a team, you'll hear ideas for leading your so your colleagues can come to work feeling more energized and engaged. We publish by season. Season 1: Career Q&A Season 2: Strengths Interviews Season 3: StrengthsFinder Q&A (also known as CliftonStrengths assessment) Season 4: Team Building 12 Week Strengths Challenge Season 5: One StrengthsFinder Talent Theme Per Week: Career Branding Adjectives for your personal brand, red flag situations for that talent theme, and action items to put that talent to use Season 6: Nine Core Concepts of Strengths Season 7: Facilitator Interviews (because, who needs Lisa only - we have lots of other great StrengthsFinder trainers for you) Season 8: CliftonStrengths Customer Q&A Season 9: The Foundations of Strengths and Mindset Season 10: Coach the Coach - Brea and Lisa help you build your independent coaching practice, or implement strengths into your work culture There's a lot of confusion about the name of the assessment because it is difficult to spell (or put the singular/plural in the right spot), and it has changed names. All of these are the same survey tool: StrengthsFinder 2.0, StrengthsFinders, StrengthFinders, StrengthFinder, StrengthsFinder, Clifton Strengths, CliftonStrengths, Clifton StrengthsFinder. Despite the difficulty with the word, the content all points to Strengths Based Development and leadership using StrengthsFinder with your team. In addition: here are some hot topic areas covered by audience questions so far: Getting promoted; discovering your strengths; differentiating yourself; coaching and feedback; marketing, branding, and promoting yourself; getting unstuck; developing your direct reports; noticing what works on your team; connecting and networking; personal leadership; politics and perceptions at the office; getting viewed as an A player; building trust and influence at work or in your industry; being a people-leader that you want to be, even when you're short on time; how to get your creative mojo back; understanding how your EQ (emotional intelligence) is more important than your IQ at work; stuff you didn't learn in business school that's hurting your career; getting unstuck and un-trapped; being a better leader; solving problems; getting past confusion; aligning your mind, body, and purpose in life; managing major life transitions; and taking a minute to reflect on what you really want in life

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