An Introduction to the Self-Assurance® CliftonStrengths Theme
Looking to learn more about Self-Assurance? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Self-Assurance 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 Self-Assurance?
Self-Assurance 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 Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to take risks and manage their own lives. They have an inner compass that gives them certainty in their decisions.
People complete the CliftonStrengths assessment to learn which of the 34 themes, like Self-Assurance, are strongest in them.
The following theme description highlights the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you are likely to experience if you have strong Self-Assurance:
Self-Assurance is similar to self-confidence. In the deepest part of you, you have faith in your strengths. You know that you are able -- able to take risks, able to meet new challenges, able to stake claims, and, most important, able to deliver. But Self-Assurance is more than just self-confidence.
Blessed with the theme of Self-Assurance, you have confidence not only in your abilities but in your judgment. When you look at the world, you know that your perspective is unique and distinct. And because no one sees exactly what you see, you know that no one can make your decisions for you.
No one can tell you what to think. They can guide. They can suggest. But you alone have the authority to form conclusions, make decisions, and act. This authority, this final accountability for the living of your life, does not intimidate you. On the contrary, it feels natural to you.
No matter what the situation, you seem to know what the right decision is. This theme lends you an aura of certainty. Unlike many, you are not easily swayed by someone else's arguments, no matter how persuasive they may be. This Self-Assurance may be quiet or loud, depending on your other themes, but it is solid. It is strong. Like the keel of a ship, it withstands many different pressures and keeps you on your course.
Self-Assurance is a theme in the Influencing domain of CliftonStrengths.
People with dominant Influencing themes like Self-Assurance take charge, speak up and make sure others are heard.
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 Self-Assurance Theme
Making the most of your Self-Assurance talents starts with gaining valuable insights into what you naturally do best.
How people with strong Self-Assurance talents describe themselves:
- "I am confident on the inside when there is doubt all around me."
- "I need freedom to act unilaterally and independently."
- "I love being in control of my own destiny."
- "I hate others telling me what to do."
- "I bring a willingness to take necessary risks."
How to Apply Your Self-Assurance to Succeed
The most successful people invest in their strongest talents. The only way to develop your Self-Assurance 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 Self-Assurance to achieve your goals:
Work With Self-Assurance: Your exceptionally hard work and long hours are natural products of the passion and confidence you feel about your work. Don't assume that others are similarly wired.
Lead With Self-Assurance: You don't have a great need for direction and support from others. This could make you particularly effective in situations that require independent thinking and action. Recognize and actively contribute the value of your Self-Assurance talents when confidence and self-control are crucial.
Live With Self-Assurance: Set ambitious goals. Don't hesitate to reach for what others see as impractical and impossible, but what you see as merely bold and exciting -- and most importantly -- achievable with some heroics and a little luck. Your Self-Assurance talents can lead to achievements that you may not have otherwise even imagined.
Check out our in-depth videos from Gallup experts for more ways to use Self-Assurance to make the most of your potential.
Self-Assurance:
If You're a Manager With Self-Assurance
Your Self-Assurance 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 Self-Assurance
Help them find tasks or projects in which they can make decisions and stay in control of the work. That is when they are at their best. For example, they may excel in start-up situations for which no rule book exists.
Use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to Discover More About Self-Assurance
How Strong Are Your Self-Assurance Talents?
Purchase CliftonStrengths 34 to reveal your complete unique talent profile and learn just how strong your Self-Assurance talents are. You'll get personalized insights into your CliftonStrengths results and ideas for maximizing your potential.
How to Work With Others With Strong Self-Assurance Talents
Gallup offers resources and products you can use to help others succeed by developing their Self-Assurance theme and all their CliftonStrengths.