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

Lisa Cummings and Brea Roper
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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. 6d ago

    Developer - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Developer, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Developer The Developer talent theme is fueled by growth, encouragement, and the belief in human potential. People with this strength are naturally perceptive, patient, helpful, and oriented toward helping others improve. At its core, Developer is about investment in people. These individuals instinctively notice signs of progress in others and feel energized when they can nurture growth and development over time. People who lead through Developer often describe themselves as encouraging, observant, and growth-oriented. What motivates them most is seeing potential become reality. They love witnessing progress, recognizing improvement, and investing their time and energy into helping others succeed.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Developer is operating at its best, it brings patience, belief, and steady support to any environment. This strength helps people feel seen for who they can become, not just who they are today. Developer talent often shows up through relationship-focused roles like coach, mentor, teacher, encourager, or investor. These individuals shine in environments where growth is possible. While others may overlook small improvements, Developer notices them and celebrates them. That encouragement often becomes the fuel that helps others keep going.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think of one person in your life who is learning or growing. Tell them one specific improvement you've noticed. Name the progress. Celebrate the step. Watch what happens next.     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? If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Developer, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Developer The Developer talent theme is fueled by growth, encouragement, and the belief in human potential. People with this strength are naturally perceptive, patient, helpful, and oriented toward helping others improve. At its core, Developer is about investment in people. These individuals instinctively notice signs of progress in others and feel energized when they can nurture growth and development over time. People who lead through Developer often describe themselves as encouraging, observant, and growth-oriented. What motivates them most is seeing potential become reality. They love witnessing progress, recognizing improvement, and investing their time and energy into helping others succeed.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Developer is operating at its best, it brings patience, belief, and steady support to any environment. This strength helps people feel seen for who they can become, not just who they are today. Developer talent often shows up through relationship-focused roles like coach, mentor, teacher, encourager, or investor. These individuals shine in environments where growth is possible. While others may overlook small improvements, Developer notices them and celebrates them. That encouragement often becomes the fuel that helps others keep going.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think of one person in your life who is learning or growing. Tell them one specific improvement you've noticed. Name the progress. Celebrate the step. Watch what happens next.     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. May 17

    Deliberative - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Deliberative, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Deliberative The Deliberative talent theme is grounded in careful thinking, risk awareness, and thoughtful decision-making. People with this strength are naturally observant, vigilant, cautious, and sensible. At its core, Deliberative is about protecting what matters. These individuals instinctively scan for risks, anticipate obstacles, and prefer to move forward only after they've considered the potential consequences. They don't rush. They assess. People who lead through Deliberative often describe themselves as private, guarded, serious, and risk-mitigators. What motivates them most is having time and space to think before acting. They love restraint and caution in the face of risk and feel energized when they can plan ahead rather than make snap decisions.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Deliberative is operating at its best, it brings stability, accuracy, and wise restraint to any environment. This strength reduces risk, anticipates obstacles, and supports sound decisions by listening carefully and gathering information. Deliberative talent often shows up through team roles like risk-assessor, guardian, preventer, or planner. These individuals shine when caution is needed. While others may push for speed or spontaneity, Deliberative ensures that decisions are thoughtful, grounded, and responsibly made.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Choose one decision you're facing and take five minutes to identify two possible risks and one obstacle that could show up. Then write down one simple step you can take to reduce that risk before moving forward. Notice how preparation creates confidence.     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. May 10

    Context - CliftonStrengths Snapshot

    If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Context, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Context The Context talent theme is grounded in history, understanding, and perspective. People with this strength are naturally perceptive, studious, historical, and oriented toward learning from what has come before. At its core, Context is about meaning through memory. These individuals instinctively look backward in order to move forward wisely. They want to understand the origins of situations, the sequence of events, and the lessons embedded in experience. People who lead through Context often describe themselves as collectors, highlighters, and orienting thinkers. What motivates them most is exploring the past and understanding how it connects to the future. They feel energized when they can gather relevant background information and use it to guide decisions.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Context is operating at its best, it brings perspective, insight, and grounded decision-making to any situation. This strength helps others understand how past events shape present realities and future possibilities. Context talent often shows up through team roles like historian, recorder, archeologist, framer, or genealogist. These individuals shine when clarity is needed. While others may rush toward decisions, Context pauses to ask what came before, ensuring that choices are informed rather than impulsive.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Think about a decision you need to make. Before acting, ask: What has happened before that might inform this? Write down one past experience, pattern, or lesson that could guide your next step. Notice how your confidence shifts when history informs action.     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. May 3

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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