"I'm not sure if I will agree."

People with Analytical in their top 5 CliftonStrengths (formerly Gallup StrengthsFinder) results challenge others to “prove it.” They’re rigorous thinkers who take a critical approach to what others would often quickly accept as truth. They mine for verifiable data and facts in which to ground their opinions. Those with the Analytical talent theme find themselves searching for patterns and the reasons why things are the way they are. They want to understand the links underlying events, concepts, and perhaps even people. How do these things tie together? What is the observable outcome of these underlying patterns? Does this accurately explain what they’re seeing? These are their questions. The genius of the Analytical theme is in the way they objectively uncover the essence of each issue, which then forms the foundation for solid decision-making.

People with Analytical like to focus on the facts and measurable truths. This explains why they are naturally drawn to statistics, hard evidence, and solid research. They love to discover patterns in data, and take great pride in being able to explain these patterns to those around them. They tend to dislike generalizations, since they can see how these generalized statements do not hold water in many cases. Others see them as logical and objective, able to deconstruct ideas to test for soundness. Over time, those around them will look to them to expose “wishful thinking” or theories that do not have substance. Yet it is hoped that their analysis is never delivered too harshly, especially when that “wishful thinking” is their own.

At times, those with the Analytical CliftonStrengths theme may come off as rude and curt. However, this is far from their intention. Rather, the person with the Analytical CliftonStrengths theme is a truth-seeker: they want facts to be verified, theories to be sound, and reasoning to be logical. When they are recognized for their reasoning abilities, they add great value to the team by providing clarity about what excellence is and how it can be attained.

One of the Gallup CliftonStrengths Coaches I work with closely, Gideon Ren, has the Analytical theme as one of his dominant talent themes. He is often the one in the team who collects different data from our client surveys and analyzes them. Using the information, he is often able to provide insights and ideas to improve our workshops and trainings. His contributions often empowers the team to move forward during discussions as he can clearly identify the roots of the issues. He is like a plumber who can identify the blockages in the pipelines, and create smooth traffic for opinions.

How can a person with Analytical turn this talent into a Strength? 

1. IDENTIFY AND CONSULT EXPERTS/CREDIBLE RESOURCES

Because those with the Analytical theme insist on the soundness of a theory, it is helpful for them to gather a base of credible sources they can rely on in their respective fields. Books, websites, or other sources can serve as helpful references. Many of these sources can be consulted in formulating their theories and informing their decision-making. For example, given that there is a huge amount of false information appearing on the internet, people with Analytical can arm themselves with very credible resources to do facts checking. In this way, they can clearly communicate the relevant data when explaining their theories. 

It may also be helpful to identify experts in their respective fields with whom they can build good working relationships. They can sharpen their Analytical skills by sharing their ideas with these specialists.

2. SET ASIDE TIME TO THINK

Because the genius of the Analytical talent theme is in their ability to uncover the root causes of each issue, it would be helpful for them to set aside time each week to think about the issues their teams and organizations are facing. This time away from the action will allow them to fully apply their analytical minds and gain insights that will lead to effective solutions.

3. SEEK COMPLEMENTARY PARTNERSHIPS

Partner those with Empathy
People with Empathy have an intuitive grasp of the feelings of the people around them. They have a natural ability to draw out the underlying emotions that are at play in decision-making. In contrast, people with Analytical prefer not to give much voice to emotions, as they can often be difficult to quantify or ground in hard facts. Such a partnership often encourages those with Analytical to take into account the more emotive aspects of decision-making, as although these traits can be difficult to measure, they are often powerful motivators and therefore valuable considerations in moving forward.

Partner those with Positivity
People with Positivity enjoy bringing lightheartedness to the atmosphere. They’re generous with praise, quick to smile, and always on the lookout for the “silver lining.” This is especially helpful when the team encounters challenges, as those dominant in the Positivity theme are able to bring hope and lighten the spirits of those around them.  In contrast, those with Analytical are always digging deeper by asking different kinds of questions that often has a more "serious" tone. This partnership often helps to keep the team’s spirits up while identifying underlying causes and the best way forward during challenges.

Partner those with Adaptability
People with Adaptability can react very quickly to unexpected changes and situations that are highly dynamic. These challenges can be in the form of changes to physical environments or change in peoples' emotions that result in relationship challenges. People with Adaptability are often able to make good snap decisions. By contrast, people with Analytical often have to first rely on facts and data to make a judgement call or a decision. They tend to make better decisions when given more time to analyze the situation and having more information on hand. Such a partnership creates a dynamic team able to deal with sudden changes as well as those changes that allows for time to make adjustments. 

Concluding thoughts: People with the Analytical CliftonStrengths theme bring clarity of thought to discussions and decision-making. Given the proliferation of non-credible sources of information in today’s media-saturated environment, those with the Analytical theme stand out because of their ability to break down ideas and test for soundness. Though you may not always agree with them, it would be wise to take their points of view seriously, as they have probably thought through their points carefully!

Written by Victor Seet
Activator • Communication • Strategic • Self-Assurance • Command

As a CliftonStrengths and Newfield Certified Ontological Coach in Singapore, Victor is passionate about helping people be better observer of themselves to achieve the results they want, especially in the area of well-being. Victor intentionally integrates the strengths-based and ontological approach into his leadership coaching and workshops.