An Introduction to the Deliberative® CliftonStrengths Theme
Looking to learn more about Deliberative? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Deliberative theme to succeed, or how to help someone harness theirs, you've come to the right place.
You'll find definitions and descriptions made popular in the international bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0, plus ideas for how to better understand and use this CliftonStrengths theme.
What Is the Definition of Deliberative?
Deliberative and the rest of the CliftonStrengths themes are comprised of natural talents that Gallup has identified through decades of research.
People exceptionally talented in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate obstacles.
People complete the CliftonStrengths assessment to learn which of the 34 themes, like Deliberative, are strongest in them.
The following theme description highlights the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you are likely to experience if you have strong Deliberative:
You are careful. You are vigilant. You are a private person. You know that the world is an unpredictable place. Everything may seem in order, but beneath the surface, you sense many risks. Rather than denying these risks, you draw each one out into the open. Then each risk can be identified, assessed, and ultimately reduced.
Thus, you are a fairly serious person who approaches life with a certain reserve. For example, you like to plan ahead so as to anticipate what might go wrong. You select your friends cautiously and keep your own counsel when the conversation turns to personal matters. You are careful not to give too much praise and recognition, lest it be misconstrued.
If some people don't like you because you are not as effusive as others, then so be it. For you, life is not a popularity contest. Life is something of a minefield. Others can run through it recklessly if they so choose, but you take a different approach. You identify the dangers, weigh their relative impact, and then place your feet deliberately. You walk with care.
Deliberative is a theme in the Executing domain of CliftonStrengths.
People with dominant Executing themes like Deliberative make things happen.
Each of the 34 CliftonStrengths sort to one of four domains -- Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building and Strategic Thinking. These domains help you understand how to use individual CliftonStrengths to succeed when you join, create or lead a team.
Learn more about the CliftonStrengths domainsHow to Better Understand Your Deliberative Theme
Making the most of your Deliberative talents starts with gaining valuable insights into what you naturally do best.
How people with strong Deliberative talents describe themselves:
- "I am a vigilant observer of potential risk."
- "I need time to listen and think before I speak."
- "I love restraint and caution in the face of risk."
- "I hate a rush to judgment."
- "I bring a thorough and conscientious approach."
How to Apply Your Deliberative to Succeed
The most successful people invest in their strongest talents. The only way to develop your Deliberative talents is to use them every day -- at work, at home and everywhere else.
The following are a few ideas for how to apply your Deliberative to achieve your goals:
Work With Deliberative: Whatever your role, take responsibility for helping others think through their decisions. You can see factors that others may not see. You will soon be sought as a valuable sounding board.
Lead With Deliberative: You inspire trust because you are cautious and considerate about sensitive topics. Use these talents by taking on opportunities to handle delicate issues and conflicts.
Live With Deliberative: Give yourself permission to withhold your opinion until you get all the facts and have an opportunity to ponder your stance. You are not someone who embraces change immediately; you are apt to reflect on possible outcomes so that all the angles are covered. As a deliberative person, you function as a "brake" for more impulsive types who wish to move quickly.
Check out our in-depth videos from Gallup experts for more ways to use Deliberative to make the most of your potential.
Deliberative:
If You're a Manager With Deliberative
Your Deliberative talent makes you stronger. Lead with your strengths so both you and your team can succeed. A strengths-based approach to management will lead to:
- better conversations
- stronger partnerships
- higher team engagement
- greater collaboration
For manager-specific insights and strategies, check out your CliftonStrengths for Managers report and explore your top 10 themes and how you can use them to reach your goals.
Discovering the collective talents of your team using the CliftonStrengths assessment is just the first step.
To successfully manage or lead others, you must individualize your approach. You must understand what makes each of your team members unique. And you must lead meaningful conversations about performance that focus on what each person naturally does best.
An Example of Managing Team Members With Deliberative
These employees may add tremendous value to impulsive project teams or groups. They will have a temporizing effect, adding thoughtfulness and anticipation to the mix.
Use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to Discover More About Deliberative
How Strong Are Your Deliberative Talents?
Purchase CliftonStrengths 34 to reveal your complete unique talent profile and learn just how strong your Deliberative talents are. You'll get personalized insights into your CliftonStrengths results and ideas for maximizing your potential.
How to Work With Others With Strong Deliberative Talents
Gallup offers resources and products you can use to help others succeed by developing their Deliberative theme and all their CliftonStrengths.