People with strong Self-Assurance talents are at their best when they are confident in their approach and open to being made more certain.
Self-Assurance®
A theme in the Influencing domain of CliftonStrengths
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.
Full Theme Description
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.
This Theme’s Power and Edge
People with strong Self-Assurance talents lead the way. Because they deeply trust their own instincts, they can forge ahead confidently, even on risky paths. They instill confidence in others and show initiative in the midst of turbulence and uncertainty. Their strong Self-Assurance talents can withstand many different pressures and keep them on their course.
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."
Theme Contrast
| Self-Assurance | Anticipates risk so that it can be engaged and overcome. |
| Deliberative | Anticipates risk so that it can be avoided and minimized |
| Self-Assurance | Certainty |
| Learner | Curiosity |
Self-Assurance Helps and Hinders
Helps
You exude confidence in your decisions and guidance, and that instills confidence in others.
You have an entrepreneurial approach to your work, which drives you to confidently set out into uncharted territory rather than shying away from risks others may not be willing to take.
When you make a decision you know is right, your confidence in the direction you set inspires others to follow.
You know what you do well, and you like to surround yourself with others who are as confident in their abilities as you are in yours. You are not threatened by others' excellence — and this enables you to build world-class teams.
Hinders
You are your own person and set out on your own path, regardless of who may or may not follow. If you find yourself swimming upstream by yourself more often than not, it may be time to re-evaluate your communication and interpersonal skills. As the old saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Others may often experience your confidence as arrogance. Being self-confident does not mean you have to be unkind.
You might not only be perceived as stubborn; you might actually be stubborn. Sometimes the most effective way to create followership is to admit when you've made a mistake. Then, correct your course and ask others for their input.
Because you speak with confidence, others might be hesitant to ask questions. Be sure to give people opportunities to ask questions, gain clarity and provide input. While your initial thinking might be on target, the additional dialogue and input will only elevate the outcome.
If Self-Assurance is a Dominant Theme for You, Take Action to Maximise Your Potential
Trust your talents, but always gather enough input from others to ensure that you make well-informed decisions.
Seek start-up situations for which no rules exist. You are at your best when you have the freedom to make many decisions.
Appeal to your own internal guidance system to determine appropriate actions. Trust your instincts.
Consult with others before making a final decision on your strategy when taking on an unfamiliar challenge. By complementing your natural confidence with others’ talents and knowledge, you are selecting the most productive and efficient path.
Study your recent decisions to help you gather valuable insights to refine and strengthen your intuition.
Help others find the positives in your certainty. For example, when you have decided what you are going to do, they can trust that you will do it.
Partner with someone with strong Strategic, Deliberative or Futuristic talents. This person can help you assess the goals that you will commit to. You might need this help because once you set your sights on a goal, you are likely to stay with it until you achieve it.
Partner with people whose Input and Intellection talents complement yours as you gather information to address situations. These partnerships will help fine-tune your inner compass.
Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for
Your confidence in your ability to make the right decisions might make you feel like you don’t need to consult anyone else. But no one is right all the time, so consider asking others for their input; they might even validate your hunches.
Because you usually sound like you know what you’re talking about — whether you do or not — others might be nervous about questioning you. Be careful not to alienate or intimidate others with your confidence.
If Self-Assurance Is a Lesser Theme for You
Individuals who lack the intense self-confidence that comes with strong Self-Assurance talents need not lack confidence or direction. You may look to others you trust for assurance, reinforcement, and guidance.
Reaffirm your strengths. Your Signature Themes (top five) are your power. Claim them. Post your Signature Themes in a place where you will look every day. This will not only serve as a reminder of your talents, but it will also generate discussion that will reinforce your talents.
Seek roles that fit your values. Lean on your personal mission. A strong sense of purpose can give you resolve and empower you to act more unilaterally when necessary.
You may prefer to be more interdependent than independent. Keep this in mind when you consider roles or projects.
Surround yourself with trusted advisers. At times, it may be difficult for you to trust your own instincts. Partner with people you can trust, and consult with them when you need to make important decisions. These trusted partners can give you reassurance, confidence, and direction.
Source: Gallup®
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”
— Henry David Thoreau, write, philosopher and naturalist