People with strong Belief talents are at their best when they are translating purpose and values into practical everyday work.
Belief®
A theme in the Executing domain of CliftonStrengths
People exceptionally talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives.
Full Theme Description
If you possess a strong Belief theme, you have certain core values that are enduring. These values vary from one person to another, but ordinarily your Belief theme causes you to be family-oriented, altruistic, even spiritual, and to value responsibility and high ethics — both in yourself and others.
These core values affect your behaviour in many ways. They give your life meaning and satisfaction; in your view, success is more than money and prestige. They provide you with direction, guiding you through the temptations and distractions of life toward a consistent set of priorities.
This consistency is the foundation for all your relationships. Your friends call you dependable. "I know where you stand," they say. Your Belief makes you easy to trust. It also demands that you find work that meshes with your values. Your work must be meaningful; it must matter to you. And guided by your Belief theme it will matter only if it gives you a chance to live out your values.
This Theme’s Power and Edge
People with strong Belief talents are a wellspring of powerful drive and direction. They provide clarity, conviction and stable values. Their unwavering foundational principles can raise the ethical standards of those around them.
How People with Strong Belief Talents Describe Themselves
"I am passionate and uncompromising about core values."
"I need a cause or purpose for which to live."
"I love altruism."
"I hate anything that does not align with my beliefs."
"I bring stability, clarity and conviction of values."
Theme Contrast
| Belief | “There is only one right way, so I will not be distracted by other paths.” |
| Strategic | “There are many possible ways, so I must consider them all.” |
| Belief | Seeing comes from believing. |
| Analytical | Believing comes from seeing. |
Belief Helps and Hinders
Helps
You can be a conscience for your team and organization; you provide stability by clearly stating and demonstrating organisational values.
You are dependable — others know where you stand and can count on your moral compass.
In times of change, you can provide team and organisational stability by communicating core values that should not and will not change.
Because your work matters to you, you can help others see the intrinsic value of their work and the valuable contributions they make to the team's and organization's mission.
Hinders
Your Belief talents make you strong and confident, but if you do not honour the beliefs of those on your team you may find yourself working alone.
Because your work must matter, you may have a hard time understanding and relating to those for whom work is primarily a paycheck. Their income might be the vehicle by which they fulfil their meaning and purpose outside of the workplace.
Beware of snap judgments. If others' values don't align with yours, you can tend to be judgmental when evaluating their motivations.
For you, mission is primary, which is admirable but sometimes seen as impractical -- especially when it comes to budgetary constraints. Remember that organisations must be financially viable to fulfil their mission.
If Belief is a Dominant Theme for You, Take Action to Maximise Your Potential
Focus on your values by thinking about one of your best days ever. How did your values influence that day? How can you organise your life to repeat this type of day as often as possible?
Voice your values to help others know who you are and how to relate to you.
Find roles that fit in with your values. Think about joining organisations that define their purpose through their contributions to society.
Express your values outside of the workplace by volunteering for a hospital board, school board or community organization.
Develop friendships with people who share your basic values. Think about your best friend: Does this person share your value system?
Partner with someone with strong Futuristic talents. This person will energise you by helping you see which direction your values will lead you.
Accept that other people might have values different from your own. Having strong Belief does not equate with being judgmental.
Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for
Because you are passionate about your own beliefs, others might view you as stubborn or set in your ways. Keep in mind that everyone has a unique worldview, and often, it will not be the same as yours.
Be careful not to pass judgment on others’ principles and motivations. Their values and belief systems deserve your respect, even when you don’t agree with them.
If Belief Is a Lesser Theme for You
If Belief is not a dominant theme for you, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have values. It probably means your values evolve and change based on your experiences.
Identify the aspects of your life that contribute most to your happiness and well-being. Is it your relationship with another person? The role you play in your family or career? Your education? Once you have determined these core pillars, make them a priority by devoting appropriate time and energy to them.
Listen closely to others’ values and beliefs. A thoughtful examination of others’ values and beliefs will help you explore, expand on and sharpen your own values.
Identify someone who shares your passions and interests. Spend more time with this person. This individual can help you find greater meaning and purpose in your life.
Keep in mind that Belief can be a powerful motivator and source of inspiration for others. When you need to motivate people, find ways to engage both their minds and hearts.
Source: Gallup®
“The man who fights for his ideals is the man who is alive.”
— Miguel de Cervantes, writer