This document discusses several themes from the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment. It provides descriptions of what each theme means for individuals who score highly in that theme, including Learner, Input, Analytical, and Strategic. It also provides advice for how individuals can best utilize their strengths if those themes are among their top talents, as well as what to consider if those themes are lesser talents. The overall document aims to help individuals understand and apply their strengths as identified through the StrengthsFinder assessment.

1. Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
TStrategic Thinking
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LEARNER€
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE LEARNER THEME
HAVE A GREAT DESIRE TO LEARN AND WANT TO CONTINUOUSLY
IMPROVE. THE PROCESS OF LEARNING, RATHER THAN THE
OUTCOME, EXCITES THEM.
People with strong Learner talents constantly strive to learn and improve.The process of learning is as important to them as the
knowledge they gain. Learners are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence.They are excited by
the thrill of learning new facts, beginning a new subject, and mastering an important skill. Learning builds their confidence. Having
Learner as a dominant theme does not necessarily motivate someone to become a subject matter expert or strive for the respect that
accompanies earning a professional or academic credential.The outcome of learning is less significant than “getting there.”
ITS POWER AND EDGE
People with strong Learner talents not only love to learn, but they also intuitively know how they learn best.They can learn quickly,
and when focused, they can keep a group, team, and organization on the cutting edge.
IF LEARNER IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF LEARNER IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Continue to grow through learning.
•• Refine how you learn. If you learn best by teaching,
seek out opportunities to instruct others. If you learn
best through reflection, carve out this quiet time.
•• Designate yourself as an early adopter for new
technology, such as a new point-of-sale or back-office
system. You will learn quickly and be able to share
important advances with your colleagues and peers.
•• Honor your desire to learn. If you can’t fulfill this
need at work, take advantage of adult educational
opportunities in your community. Discipline yourself
to sign up for at least one new academic or adult
learning course each year.
•• Be a catalyst for change. Others might be intimidated
by new rules, new skills, or new circumstances.
Your willingness to soak up this “newness” can
calm their fears and spur them to engage. Take this
responsibility seriously.
If you lack the intensity of the talents that comprise the
Learner theme, it does not mean you can’t or won’t learn. It
does mean that you probably don’t appreciate or enjoy the
process that is often required for learning to take place.
•• Have a strategy in place to help keep your skills up-to-
date and relevant in an ever-changing world.
•• You are more interested in the destination than the
journey. Consider looking for roles that are oriented
toward results rather than processes.
•• You may have other dominant talents you can lean on
when you need to bring something new to the table. For
example, Woo talents might open you to new people;
Ideation talents might open you to new ideas; Input
talents might open you to new resources or tools; and
Strategic talents might open you to new possibilities
or options.
•• Develop relationships with people who always seem to
be on the cutting edge. They can keep you informed on
the latest advancements in your field.

2. Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
TStrategic Thinking
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INPUT€
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE INPUT THEME HAVE
A CRAVING TO KNOW MORE. OFTEN THEY LIKE TO COLLECT AND
ARCHIVE ALL KINDS OF INFORMATION.
People with strong Input talents are inquisitive.They always want to know more.They crave information.They like to collect certain
things, such as ideas, books, memorabilia, quotations, or facts. Whatever they collect, they do it because it interests them.They find
many things interesting and have a natural curiosity.The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. A
few minutes of surfing the Internet may turn into hours once their curiosity takes off.They constantly acquire, compile, and file things
away.Their pursuits keep their minds fresh. And they know that one day some of the information or things they have gathered will
prove valuable.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
People with strong Input talents bring tools that can facilitate growth and performance.They love to provide relevant and tangible help
to others.Their resourcefulness and curiosity lead them to store knowledge that can be culled and shared.
IF INPUT IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF INPUT IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Always explore; always be curious.
•• Identify your areas of specialization and actively
seek more information about them.
•• Make time to read books and articles that stimulate
you. Schedule regular time to do this.
•• Deliberately increase your vocabulary. Intentionally
collect new words and learn their meanings.
•• You likely enjoy reading the dictionary and the
encyclopedia — this might seem strange to some
people, but for someone like you it is a good way to
strengthen your self-concept.
•• Devise a system to store and easily locate
information. This can be as simple as a file for all
the articles you have clipped or as sophisticated as a
computer database.
•• Identify situations in which you can share the
information you have collected with other people.
•• Accept that you will never feel that you
know enough.
If you lack the intensity of the Input theme, it does not prevent
you from being curious or acquiring important information or
knowledge. It likely indicates you are more selective about the
types of information you seek and acquire.
•• Among your top themes, find those that help you absorb and
analyze the information you need to make good decisions.
Analytical, Context, Deliberative, or Learner talents
may help you gather, collect, and remember important
information in the same way that Input talents do for others.
•• People with high Input talents typically learn through
reading. You may learn best through “doing,” so
look for opportunities or roles where you can get
hands-on experience.
•• Be intentional and proactive about adding subject matter
experts to your personal network. You do not have to be one
yourself, as long as you know who to ask for information.
•• Invite others to help you brainstorm and refine ideas
when you need to make an important decision. Seek out
people who have subject matter experience or interest and
different opinions or beliefs than yours. Their collection of
information and knowledge can help inform your decision.

3. Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
TStrategic Thinking
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ANALYTICAL€
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE ANALYTICAL THEME
SEARCH FOR REASONS AND CAUSES. THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO
THINK ABOUT ALL THE FACTORS THAT MIGHT AFFECT A SITUATION.
People with strong Analytical talents challenge others to “Prove it.”They take a critical approach to what others might quickly accept
as truth.They search for the reasons why things are the way they are.They want to understand how certain patterns affect one another.
How do they combine? What is the outcome? Does this outcome fit with the theory offered or the situation at hand? These are their
questions. Others see them as logical and rigorous. Some may feel that they are negative or unnecessarily critical when they are simply
trying to understand something.They bring an objective and dispassionate examination that enables them to find the root causes and
effects, and then develop clear thoughts based on facts.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
Those with Analytical talents have valuable insights because they are able to uncover the essential facts needed for excellence in any
endeavor.This type of thinking helps them and others become clearer about what excellence is and how it can be attained.
IF ANALYTICAL IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF ANALYTICAL IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Direct your logical, objective approach to find the reasons
behind important decisions.
•• Take the time to identify credible sources you can rely
on. Determine the most helpful books, websites, or
other sources that can serve as references.
•• Choose assignments or work in which you are able to
analyze data, find patterns, or organize ideas.
•• When you are working with a group to plan a new
initiative or project, be involved in the early stages.
You will be able to assess the feasibility and direction
of the plan before it gets too far into the process.
•• Develop your Analytical skills by sharing ideas with
outstanding analysts who specialize in your area.
•• Listen to people with strong Strategic, Belief, or
Empathy talents. Their insights and intuitions are
difficult to measure, but their assessments are often
accurate and valuable nonetheless.
•• Accept that at times you will need to move before all
the facts are in place.
Having less intense Analytical talents does not preclude you
from rigorous thought or objective measurement. It may
indicate that you more readily accept things at face value or
rely more on your intuition.
•• Among your top themes, find those that help you
uncover the objective truth. Arranger or Harmony
talents, for example, may help you invite others to share
their observations and opinions. Their perspectives may
help you see the big picture.
•• When you are looking to solve a problem or discover the
root cause of an issue, start at the end result and work
backward (toward the root cause), continually asking:
“Why?” You may need to repeat this question several times
until the root cause of the problem becomes apparent.
•• You might perceive too much thinking or questioning
to be “paralysis by analysis.” Be careful not to minimize
or dismiss the value of asking good questions and
thoughtfully examining the facts.
•• When you feel the itch to take action, pause to research
objective sources and seek others’ advice.

4. Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
TStrategic Thinking
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STRATEGIC«
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE STRATEGIC THEME
CREATE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PROCEED. FACED WITH ANY GIVEN
SCENARIO, THEY CAN QUICKLY SPOT THE RELEVANT PATTERNS
AND ISSUES.
People with strong Strategic talents have the ability to sort through the clutter and find the best route.This is not a skill that can be
taught. It is a distinct way of thinking — a special perspective on the world at large.This outlook allows them to see patterns where
others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, they are able to envision alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this
happened?”This recurring question helps them see, plan, and prepare for future situations.They see a way when others assume there is
no way. Armed with this strategy, they strike forward.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
People with strong Strategic talents bring creative anticipation, imagination, and persistence to the groups and projects they work
on.They can quickly weigh alternative paths and determine the one that will work best and most efficiently.They find the best route
moving forward.
IF STRATEGIC IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF STRATEGIC IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Ask: “What if?”Then select and strike.
•• Your greatest contribution to a group may be to
discover the best path to success. Because you can do
this quickly, it may look as if you are “winging it,”
but explaining yourself along the way will help others
understand what you see.
•• Schedule daily “quiet time” devoted to consideration
of your current goals and strategies. This focused time
away from the action might be the environment in
which you are best able to think through the options
to find the right course of action.
•• Trust your insights as much as possible.
•• Because you naturally consider options at such a fast
pace, even you might not know how you came up with
the strategy — but because of your exceptional talents,
it will likely be successful.
•• Find a group that you think does important work and
contribute your Strategic thinking. You can be a leader
with your ideas.
Think about how you ask questions, set goals, and prepare for
the future. Even if you lack the intensity of anticipation or
imagination of the Strategic theme, you no doubt can plan
and prepare for future situations.
•• When making a critical decision, research the topic
and discuss the situation with people who have
deep knowledge of the subject. Taking the time to
investigate and gather information will broaden
your options.
•• Among your top themes, find those that prompt you
to be more strategic. Learner talents might guide you
to new information. Woo talents might lead you to a
new contact with new ideas to share. Communication
talents might open you to new conversations that could
expose you to a different approach. Context talents
might help you find strategies that have been successful
in the past.
•• Keep a detailed record of each strategy you use in all of the
situations you encounter. As the number multiplies, you will
amass a collection of viable options for various situations.

5. Copyright © 2000, 2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup®, StrengthsFinder®, and each of the 34 StrengthsFinder theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.
EExecuting
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ACHIEVER€
PEOPLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED IN THE ACHIEVER THEME
WORK HARD AND POSSESS A GREAT DEAL OF STAMINA. THEY TAKE
IMMENSE SATISFACTION IN BEING BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE.
Achievers have a constant need for attainment.They have an internal fire burning inside them. It pushes them to do more, to achieve
more. People with strong Achiever talents feel as if every day starts at zero. By the end of the day they must accomplish something
meaningful to feel good about themselves. And “every day” means every single day — workdays, weekends, holidays, and even
vacations. If the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, Achievers feel dissatisfied. Upon finishing a
challenging project, they rarely seek to be rewarded with a rest or an easy assignment. While they appreciate recognition for past
achievements, their motivation lies in striving toward the next goal on the horizon.
ITS POWER AND EDGE
Achievers love to complete tasks, and they derive fulfillment from their accomplishments. Putting it simply, people with high Achiever
have a strong inner drive — an innate source of intensity, energy, and power that enables them to push hard to get things done. As a
result, they often set the pace and define productivity levels for the people around them.
IF ACHIEVER IS A DOMINANT THEME FOR YOU: IF ACHIEVER IS A LESSER THEME FOR YOU:
Direct your energy to achieve in all areas of your life.
•• Take advantage of your self-motivation by setting
challenging goals. Set a more ambitious goal every
time you finish a project.
•• Partner with someone with strong Discipline or
Focus talents. This person can help you use your
energy as efficiently as possible.
•• Take time to celebrate each success before
moving on to the next item or task, even for just a
few minutes.
•• Although you might be naturally equipped to work
harder and longer than others, be sure to take
regular breaks.
•• As much as possible, limit your commitments to
tasks that are aligned with your highest priorities.
•• Make sure your to-do lists include things
beyond work.
Think about how you get things done. Even if you lack
the intensity or drive of the Achiever theme, you no doubt
accomplish meaningful outcomes.
•• Among your top themes, find those that provide you
with energy and motivation. Focus, Maximizer, or
Responsibility talents may be the fire that can fuel your
endeavors in the same way that the Achiever talents do
for others.
•• If you have a smartphone or other mobile device, find
a powerful app that can help you keep track of the
important tasks you need to accomplish each day. Use this
technology to push you toward completing your goals.
•• Look for collaborative roles. The drive of those around you
can often be contagious. Gravitate to high producers, and
their energy will often rub off on you.
•• Manage others’ expectations by helping them understand
that though you are not afraid of hard work, your primary
motivation is more about quality, commitment, or service.