The Gallup StrengthsFinder, now known as CliftonStrengths, is a popular Career assessments tool developed by Gallup, a renowned research and consulting company. The StrengthsFinder is designed to identify an individual’s unique strengths and talents and provide insights into how to leverage them for personal and professional growth.
The assessment is based on the belief that individuals can achieve greater success and fulfillment by focusing on their strengths rather than trying to fix their weaknesses. It aims to help individuals discover and understand their natural talents, allowing them to excel in various areas of their lives, including their careers.
The StrengthsFinder assessment consists of a series of questions that measure an individual’s responses in relation to 34 talent themes. These talent themes represent specific strengths that people possess to varying degrees. The assessment identifies an individual’s top five strengths, which are considered their dominant talents.
While the Gallup StrengthsFinder is a good beginner career assessment many find that it lacks the depth, scope, details and value provided by the MAPP Career Assessment.
The MAPP (Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential) Career assessments and the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment are both valuable tools for personal and professional development, but they differ in focus and approach. Here are the key differences between the two:
1. Focus:
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- MAPP Assessment: The MAPP assessment focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s interests, motivations, work preferences, and personality traits. It aims to help individuals explore potential career paths and make informed decisions based on their unique attributes.
- Gallup StrengthsFinder: The Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment specifically focuses on identifying an individual’s top strengths out of 34 talent themes. It aims to help individuals understand and leverage their unique strengths for personal and professional success.
2. Assessment Approach:
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- MAPP Assessment: The MAPP assessment uses a combination of questionnaires and inventories to assess various dimensions of an individual’s career-related attributes. It takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors such as interests, motivations, work preferences, and personality traits.
- Gallup StrengthsFinder: The Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment is centered solely on identifying an individual’s strengths. It does not assess other career-related dimensions such as interests or personality traits.
3. Report and Results:
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- MAPP Assessment: The MAPP assessment generates a comprehensive report that provides insights into an individual’s primary interest areas, personality traits, and potential career paths. It offers detailed information on industries, job roles, and potential employers that align with the individual’s interests and strengths.
- Gallup StrengthsFinder: The Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment provides individuals with a report that lists their top five strengths out of the 34 talent themes. The report emphasizes describing and understanding these specific strengths, offering guidance on how to leverage them for personal and professional growth.
4. Application:
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- MAPP Assessment: The MAPP assessment is commonly used for career exploration, academic and career planning, and making informed decisions about educational and professional paths. It helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and explore potential career matches.
- Gallup StrengthsFinder: The Gallup StrengthsFinder is often used for personal development, leadership development, and building on individuals’ strengths to enhance performance and engagement in various areas of life, including work.
While both assessments offer insights into an individual’s personal and professional attributes, the MAPP assessment provides a broader understanding of career-related dimensions, including interests, motivations, work preferences, and personality traits. In contrast, the Gallup StrengthsFinder focuses specifically on identifying and leveraging an individual’s top strengths. The choice between the two depends on the individual’s goals and needs, whether they seek a comprehensive view of their career attributes or a focused exploration of their strengths for personal and professional growth.
