CliftonStrengths VS Myers-Briggs (MBTI)

The more you know yourself, the easier the road ahead

As I continue to share the strengths message to individuals and organizations, I am often asked about how CliftonStrengths (formerly known as the StrengthsFinder) are different or better than other personality tests. A frequent ask is Myers-Briggs as it has been a psychometric assessment that has been around for a while and used in many institutions such as schools.

My first reaction is always this: personality tests like the MBTI are a statement of who we are. They give us information and we have to figure out how to deal with it. MBTI share information such as how we gather our energy, either alone (introverted) or with others (extroverted), how we process information and more. Although this is important (and I've done many of them to continue to gain further insight about myself), the true impact is looking at where we have the potential to excel and this is where strengths-based development excels.

CliftonStrengths are an indication of our specific nuances and our potential. It is where we can be at our best, describing our unique nature (1 in 33 million chance that someone has the same top 5 talent themes in the same order) and really, our superpower. Talents are innate. They cannot be learned or developed, but they can be honed and aimed. Our talents are how we filter the world and influence how we act, think and behave. It is when we focus on how we are naturally wired that we give ourselves the greatest chance to excel.

The nice thing is that CliftonStrengths does not eliminate or discount any other psychometric assessments, rather it layers on top of them to help individuals understand their unique nuances and how to approach their work, life, relationships, commitments, etc in the best way to allow them to shine.

Here is a great article that will help give additional insights as to the comparison between CliftonStrengths and MBTI.