People with strong Restorative talents are at their best when they are troubleshooting problem areas and bringing creative solutions to solve them.

Restorative®

A theme in the Executing domain of CliftonStrengths

People exceptionally talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it.

 

Full Theme Description

You love to solve problems. Whereas some are dismayed when they encounter yet another breakdown, you can be energised by it. You enjoy the challenge of analysing the symptoms, identifying what is wrong, and finding the solution.

You may prefer practical problems or conceptual ones or personal ones. You may seek out specific kinds of problems that you have met many times before and that you are confident you can fix. Or you may feel the greatest push when faced with complex and unfamiliar problems.

Your exact preferences are determined by your other themes and experiences. But what is certain is that you enjoy bringing things back to life. It is a wonderful feeling to identify the undermining factor(s), eradicate them, and restore something to its true glory.

Intuitively, you know that without your intervention, this thing — this machine, this technique, this person, this company — might have ceased to function. You fixed it, resuscitated it, rekindled its vitality. Phrasing it the way you might, you saved it.

 

This Theme’s Power and Edge

Those with strong Restorative talents bring a solution-oriented mindset to daily problems. They readily take on projects that others believe “can’t be saved.” They can analyse a situation, identify potential shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments.

 

How People with Strong Restorative Talents Describe Themselves

  • "I am not intimidated by points of pain or dysfunction."

  • "I need problems that must be solved."

  • "I love finding solutions."

  • "I hate the idea that problems will disappear if they are ignored."

  • "I bring courage and creativity to problematic situations."

 

Theme Contrast

Restorative Troubleshooter
Strategic Map maker
Restorative “I intentionally invade problem areas to restore the original state.”
Positivity “I intentionally evade problem areas to maintain my emotional state.”
 

Restorative Helps and Hinders

Helps

  • You have a unique ability to look past surface-level symptoms to find the root causes of problems — your solutions are not stopgap, but rather are intended to last.

  • You are a troubleshooter, and in that role, you increase efficiency and reach the goal sooner.

  • Your clear-eyed analysis makes you extremely valuable in crises. You close the loop, restore order and clean up the mess — and enjoy the process.

  • Your Restorative talents lend themselves well to continuous improvement processes. You find what is wrong, determine how it can be fixed and take things to the next level.

Hinders

  • Your focus on finding problems could bring you a reputation for being negative — especially when you find problems that others haven't considered, let alone seen. Help your team members realise you aren't wanting to "rain on their parade," but rather anticipate and avoid problems that would prevent the parade from even occurring.

  • You are energised by examining problems and delving into thorny, complex situations. You may even feel a bit let down when the problem is solved. Because this gives you energy, be aware that you might feel a need to create problems to solve where none actually exist.

  • Depending on the nature of your Restorative talents, you may focus on processes and not people. Give praise where it is due, and don't overly focus on shortcomings — yours or others'.

  • You may tend to jump in and rescue others when they are dealing with a problem. Be discerning, and resist the urge to solve others' problems for them. More often than not, we learn the most from the problems we face and solve ourselves.

 

If Restorative is a Dominant Theme for You, Take Action to Maximise Your Potential

  • Find tasks or roles that will pay you to solve problems. You might particularly enjoy roles in medicine, consulting, computer programming or customer service in which your success depends on your ability to restore and resolve.

  • Look for turnaround situations that others avoid. You will enjoy the challenge, and you will further your “can do” abilities and reputation.

  • You are drawn to difficult problems, but don’t overlook the easy-to-solve problems that offer big results. Others will benefit from these solutions as well.

  • Let everyone know that you enjoy solving problems. While many people may shy away from challenges, fixing them comes naturally to you.

  • Think through the ways that you can improve your skills and knowledge. Identify any courses you can take to enhance your knowledge base.

  • Give yourself a break. Your strong Restorative theme might lead you to be overly self-critical. Try to redirect this theme either toward things about yourself that you can fix, such as knowledge or skills (but not talent), or toward external, tangible problems.

  • Let other people solve their own problems. You might want to rush in and solve things for them, but in so doing, you might hinder their learning. Watch out for this, particularly if you are in a manager, coach, teacher or parenting role.

 

Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for

  • Others might think that all you see are their flaws and shortcomings. Remember that there are times when people need you to see their successes and give them praise.

  • You tend to focus on processes, not people, and you might automatically rush to solve every problem. Sometimes others need to solve their own problems, so try to give people space to experiment and find their own solutions.

 

If Restorative Is a Lesser Theme for You

Lacking the intensity of the Restorative theme doesn’t mean you can’t troubleshoot or solve problems, but you might be more likely to strengthen existing advantages or focusing on more promising opportunities.

  • When you fall short of your expectations, consider circumstances that were beyond your control and the actions you took or didn’t take that could have contributed to the outcome. Assess whether you have a weakness that you need to deal with to be successful next time.

  • Be honest if something is broken beyond your skill to repair. Learn as much as you can so you can clearly describe what is happening and hand it off to someone who is more capable.

  • Identify situations in which you are not as effective as you want to be. Ask someone you trust for advice and feedback. Learn how they would have approached the situation. Be open to their perspective and identify actions that will help you succeed when faced with this situation again.

 
 

Source: Gallup®

 
 

“Unrest of spirit is a mark of life; one problem after another presents itself and in the solving of them we can find our greatest pleasure.”

— Karl A. Menninger, psychiatrist