People with strong Deliberative talents are at their best when they are anticipating obstacles and preventing mistakes.

Deliberative®

A theme in the Executing domain of CliftonStrengths

People exceptionally talented in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate obstacles.

 

Full Theme Description

You are careful. You are vigilant. You are a private person. You know that the world is an unpredictable place. Everything may seem in order, but beneath the surface you sense many risks. Rather than denying these risks, you draw each one out into the open. Then each risk can be identified, assessed, and ultimately reduced.

Thus, you are a fairly serious person who approaches life with a certain reserve. For example, you like to plan ahead so as to anticipate what might go wrong. You select your friends cautiously and keep your own counsel when the conversation turns to personal matters. You are careful not to give too much praise and recognition, lest it be misconstrued.

If some people don't like you because you are not as effusive as others, then so be it. For you, life is not a popularity contest. Life is something of a minefield. Others can run through it recklessly if they so choose, but you take a different approach. You identify the dangers, weigh their relative impact, and then place your feet deliberately. You walk with care.

 

This Theme’s Power and Edge

People with strong Deliberative talents bring a thorough and conscientious approach to their endeavours. They have the ability to reduce risk and prevent problems through natural anticipation and careful thought. As a result, they tend to make outstanding decisions.

 

How People with Strong Deliberative Talents Describe Themselves

  • "I am a vigilant observer of potential risk."

  • "I need time to listen and think before I speak."

  • "I love restraint and caution in the face of risk."

  • "I hate a rush to judgment."

  • "I bring a thorough and conscientious approach."

 

Theme Contrast

Deliberative "I meet deadlines because it makes me feel good.”
Activator “I meet deadlines because it makes others respect me.”
Deliberative Can’t see the forest for the trees
Woo Can’t see the trees for the forest
 

Deliberative Helps and Hinders

Helps

  • You are naturally cautious, and take your time making decisions. As such, people can count on your sound judgment and your well-thought out reasoning when making a hard decision.

  • You see potential problems and roadblocks that others tend to miss. This makes you a respected resource as a troubleshooter and problem identifier — helping to avoid messy slow-downs in workflow.

  • In your interactions with others, you prefer to do a lot of listening and withhold judgment until you've heard all the facts. This gives you a trustworthiness and a reputation as an impartial straight-talker.

  • You are a private person, and respect the privacy of others. You handle sensitive topics with discretion and sensitivity, a valuable asset when leading a team.

Hinders

  • The "paralysis of analysis" could keep you from moving forward in a timely manner. Give yourself deadlines to complete your due diligence, and ensure you have ample time to reflect so that important deadlines are not missed.

  • Your cautious nature and inclination to focus on what could go wrong could give you a reputation of being negative. Point out that your Deliberative talents help you establish the success of the project by avoiding the landmines that could derail it.

  • If you lead a team, your tendency to slow down in order to avoid mistakes may cause your team members to wonder if you've forgotten about their requests. Make sure that you communicate regularly with your team to avoid misunderstandings.

  • Those with strong Deliberative talents often tend to be reserved and not prone to giving praise. Remember that regular praise and recognition fuels great performance, and find ways to genuinely show your appreciation for work well done.

 

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

  • Think about the advantages of being conservative in your decision-making during times of change. Be ready to explain these advantages when asked.

  • Do what you think is sensible, regardless of the impact on your popularity.

  • Take responsibility for helping others think through their decisions. You see things others don’t.

  • Make time each day for yourself. Your thoughtful approach gives you the foresight you need to make wise decisions.

  • Explain your process of careful decision-making. Clarify that you highlight risk to take control and reduce it. Don’t allow others to misconstrue your Deliberative theme as tentativeness or fear of action.

  • Partner with someone with strong Command, Self-Assurance or Activator talents. Together you will make and implement many well-thought-out decisions.

 

Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for

  • Because you take time to think carefully before making a decision, people might perceive you as forgetful, slow or afraid to act. Be prepared to explain that you are none of those things and that you are just considering all of the potential next steps.

  • Your cautious and serious outlook on life might give the impression that you are a distant, private and unapproachable person who doesn’t give much praise. Keep this in mind, especially when the important people in your life need your approval and validation.

 

If Deliberative Is a Lesser Theme for You

“Wait” and “watch out” may not be common words in your vocabulary. You might know how to get started, but slowing down and stopping may be more challenging for you.

  • When you want to respond quickly, pause for a moment and consider all of the information available before you act.

  • Use a coding method on your calendar or to-do list to mark items that are important to sleep on or run by others before moving forward.

  • Resist the urge to answer every email or text message right away.

  • Write a reminder to yourself — something quick and easy, like “remember to pause,” “stop and think” or “wait to answer” — and post it where you will see it often, such as on your computer, by your phone or on your calendar.

 
 

Source: Gallup®

 

 

“Unreasonable haste is the direct road to error.”

Jean Baptiste Moliere, dramatist