Assad Schuitema is the CEO of Schuitema Group, responsible for providing strategic direction both internally and to clients as they navigate cultural transformation. At the core of his leadership is the commitment to aligning the organisation’s strategy with the Care and Growth philosophy, ensuring that both associates and the support team are empowered to deliver exceptional service to clients.
What would your answer be if someone asked you about your strengths? Surprisingly, many people are unsure. Our strengths represent our unique potential for excellence in thought, emotion, and action. Strengths finders, like the High 5 Test and CliftonStrengths, are tools that help us uncover this potential. These tests have become popular in the positive psychology movement, assisting individuals in becoming more engaged, happier, and more successful by identifying what they are naturally good at.
Research suggests that people who work from their strengths are more likely to achieve their goals, build stronger relationships, and progress in their careers.
Knowing your strengths can help you achieve your goals effectively. Numerous strengths finders are available today, each with a unique approach.
Strengths finders generally follow two approaches: theoretical and practical. Theoretical assessments are more open-ended and explore strengths broadly. Practical assessments, on the other hand, are structured to provide actionable insights and clear categories.
Most strength finders available today, such as the High 5 Test, Wingfinder, and CliftonStrengths, adopt a practical approach, making them highly useful for personal and professional development.
The High 5 Test blends theoretical research from positive psychology with practical insights. It defines strengths as recurring patterns of thought, action, decision, and feeling that satisfy the following criteria:
This free test gives you a snapshot of your top five strengths, or “high five.” You can opt for the paid version to access the complete list of your strengths and receive detailed guidance on leveraging them. The High 5 Test is precious for those looking to understand their strengths without cost.
Developed by Red Bull and psychology professors, Wingfinder offers a playful, image-based assessment that is free and easy to use. It measures strengths across four areas: creativity, thinking, drive, and connections.
The output includes a 19-page personalised report with a coaching plan that suggests what to start, stop, and keep doing. This makes Wingfinder ideal for individuals seeking an engaging, in-depth strengths assessment.
CliftonStrengths focuses on talents, or “naturally recurring patterns of thought, feeling, or behaviour.” The $49.99 test helps you identify talents that can become strengths with practice. The report ranks you across 34 themes and provides a clear view of where to invest time to turn talents into strengths.
Unlike the High 5 Test, which is free, CliftonStrengths offers a more comprehensive, paid assessment that can help you discover your potential.
The VIA survey is a free, scientifically validated assessment identifying 24 character strengths, such as creativity, kindness, and perseverance. These strengths fall under six broad virtue categories: Wisdom, Justice, Humanity, Courage, Temperance, and Transcendence.
While more abstract than other tests, VIA is helpful for those interested in understanding their character strengths in a broader context. It’s free to take, with a paid option available for a more detailed report.
With so many strengths finders available, choosing the one that’s right for you can be challenging. Here’s a comparison of the High 5 Test with other popular options like CliftonStrengths, Red Bull Wingfinder, and the VIA Character Strengths Survey:
The best strengths finder for you depends on your goals and preferences. If you’re looking for a free, straightforward assessment that provides actionable insights, the High 5 Test is an excellent choice. For a more playful experience, Wingfinder might be appealing, while CliftonStrengths offers an in-depth paid report for those wanting a comprehensive exploration of their talents. Meanwhile, the VIA Survey is perfect for those interested in character strengths and a more research-based approach.
By understanding each test’s unique features, you can choose the one that aligns with your personal development goals and helps you leverage your strengths to the fullest.
A good strengths finder is invaluable for leadership. Strengths assessments help leaders align tasks with their team’s strengths, facilitating growth and engagement. In the Care & Growth model, knowing your team’s strengths allows you to set up tasks that are a natural fit, avoiding misalignment and building trust.
Leaders often struggle when they try to force-fit individuals into roles that don’t suit them. Using strengths finders can help you understand your team’s unique abilities, leading to more effective task assignments and better outcomes.
In results-oriented environments, it’s easy to overlook how tasks align with individual strengths. Using tools like the High 5 Test or CliftonStrengths, leaders can assign roles based on each person’s strengths, enhancing results and personal growth.
For example, if a team member excels in creativity, assign tasks that allow innovation. This approach achieves the desired results and boosts the individual’s engagement and satisfaction.
Identifying your strengths with the High 5 Test or CliftonStrengths can significantly enhance your personal and professional life. Use your top strengths when planning projects, making career decisions, or even in daily interactions.
For instance, if your top strengths include creativity and empathy, look for roles that allow innovation and meaningful interactions. Understanding and utilising your strengths can lead to greater fulfilment and success.
Ready to discover your strengths? Please take the free High 5 Test today to uncover your top 5 strengths and leverage them for personal and professional growth.