CliftonStrengths Vs MBTI: A Simple Comparison Guide

If you’ve ever taken a personality test, there’s a good chance it was either CliftonStrengths or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Both are popular tools for understanding how people think, behave, and interact. But they serve different purposes, use different methods, and are often misunderstood.

In this simple guide, we’ll break down what each tool is, how they work, and which might be better for your personal or professional growth.

What Is CliftonStrengths?

CliftonStrengths, formerly known as StrengthsFinder, is an assessment developed by Gallup. Its main goal is to help people discover their natural talents. Instead of focusing on fixing weaknesses, CliftonStrengths encourages people to build on what they already do well. The idea is that we’re more likely to succeed when we spend time developing our strengths instead of worrying too much about our flaws.

When you take the CliftonStrengths test, you get a personalized report showing your top strengths out of 34 possible themes. These themes include things like “Achiever,” “Empathy,” or “Strategic.” Each one reflects a unique way you naturally think, feel, or behave

What Is MBTI?

The MBTI, short for Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, is one of the most widely used personality assessments in the world. It was created based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung. The MBTI assigns people one of 16 personality types based on four key areas: how you get energy (Introversion vs. Extraversion), how you take in information (Sensing vs. Intuition), how you make decisions (Thinking vs. Feeling), and how you organize your life (Judging vs. Perceiving).

Your final result looks like a 4-letter code, such as INFP or ESTJ. Each letter combination gives you insight into your communication style, decision-making approach, and general worldview.

Key Differences Between CliftonStrengths and MBTI

Focus Of The Tool

CliftonStrengths focuses on what you naturally do well. It’s about identifying and developing your top talents, the ones that come naturally to you. It assumes people will be more effective when they understand and apply their strengths in work and life.

MBTI focuses on how you perceive the world and make decisions. It's more about describing your preferences than predicting your behavior. It helps people understand their own personality and how they relate to others.

Outcome Format

CliftonStrengths gives you a ranked list of 34 talent themes. These are ordered by how strongly they show up in your personality. Most people use their top 5 or top 10 as a starting point for self-development.

MBTI gives you a 4-letter personality type. This type reflects your preferences in the four areas mentioned earlier. While it’s easy to understand, some people feel the labels can be limiting or overly simplified.

Use in the Workplace

CliftonStrengths is often used for team-building and career coaching, especially in a strengths-based organization. It helps teams understand how each member contributes best. Many managers use it to assign tasks that align with people’s talents. It’s also a popular tool in leadership development programs.

MBTI is used more for self-awareness and communication styles. It’s helpful in understanding why people think or act differently. While some teams use it, it’s less focused on practical application at work and more on general personality insights.

Scientific Backing

CliftonStrengths is based on decades of research by Gallup. It has been tested on millions of people and is backed by data collected across industries and cultures. Supporters point to its usefulness in business settings, while critics sometimes question its reliance on self-reported data.

MBTI has been criticized for its lack of scientific reliability and validity. While widely used, some psychologists argue it’s not accurate or repeatable enough for serious decisions. Others still find it helpful as a basic tool for conversation and self-reflection.

Personal vs Professional Application

CliftonStrengths is widely used in professional settings like coaching, HR, and leadership training. But it’s also valuable for personal growth. For example, it can help you choose a career path that matches your strengths.

MBTI is more common in personal development and general self-awareness. It’s often used in education, counseling, or relationship advice. That said, some companies do use it for team discussions or communication training.

How to Use Your StrengthsFinder Leadership Domains

CliftonStrengths also breaks down its 34 themes into four main domains. These help show how your strengths work together in group settings:

• Executing: People strong in this domain know how to get things done. They turn ideas into action and make sure projects move forward.

• Influencing: These individuals are great at taking charge, speaking up, and making sure their team is heard and noticed.

• Relationship Building: These strengths help create strong bonds and healthy team dynamics. They build trust, unity, and support.

• Strategic Thinking: People in this domain are good at analyzing, planning, and seeing the big picture. They help teams make smart decisions.

These domains are especially useful when building teams. They make sure you have a balance of talent and can identify what’s missing.

Pros and Cons of Each Tool

CliftonStrengths:

Pros: Practical, actionable, used in professional coaching, based on real strengths

Cons: Not free, results may be hard to interpret without guidance

MBTI:

Pros: Simple to understand, widely known, good starting point for self-reflection

Cons: Less research support, results may feel vague or overly rigid

Which One Should You Use?

It depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of what you do best and how to apply it in work or life, CliftonStrengths is likely the better fit. It’s great for personal growth, career planning, and team development.

MBTI can be helpful if you’re just starting to explore personality or want to understand how others think. It’s also useful for improving communication and learning about relationship dynamics.

And yes, it’s possible to use both. Just know what each tool offers and how it fits into your goals.

Conclusion On CliftonStrengths Vs MBTI

Both CliftonStrengths and MBTI offer valuable insights. One helps you identify your top talents, while the other helps you understand your personality type. The right tool for you depends on what you need: self-awareness, professional development, or better teamwork.

If you’re looking for support in using CliftonStrengths in a deeper, more practical way, the Strengths Movement by Strengths School can help. We specialize in coaching, workshops, and helping teams grow by understanding their strengths.

Contact Strengths School to learn how to unlock your full potential today.

Frequently Asked Questions About CliftonStrengths Vs MBTI

What Makes CliftonStrengths Different From MBTI?

CliftonStrengths measures what you naturally do best, while MBTI looks at personality preferences. CliftonStrengths gives a list of strengths; MBTI gives a personality type.

Can I Use Both Tools Together?

Yes. Many people use both to get a fuller picture. MBTI is helpful for understanding communication, while CliftonStrengths is great for action and growth.

How Accurate Are These Tests?

CliftonStrengths has more research backing. MBTI is easy to use but sometimes criticized for its lack of scientific rigor.

What If I Don’t Like My Results?

These tools aren’t perfect. Use them as a guide, not a label. If something doesn’t feel right, focus on what does.

How Strengths School Help Resolve Team Disputes?

By using CliftonStrengths, Strengths School helps resolve team disputes and understand each other’s working styles, leading to better trust, communication, and fewer conflicts.