Alternative to VIA Strengths — From Character Traits to Strategic Competency
Looking for an Alternative to VIA Strengths?
The VIA Survey of Character Strengths identifies 24 positive traits, such as curiosity, perseverance, and kindness, to help individuals build on what’s best in them. Rooted in positive psychology, it’s widely used for self-development and coaching.
But while VIA promotes self-awareness and well-being, many professionals are now seeking a more strategic, development-oriented, and work-relevant approach to strengths.
That’s where the Big 5 of Strategy comes in.
What is VIA Strengths?
Developed by Peterson and Seligman, the VIA framework focuses on six core virtue categories:
-
Wisdom
-
Courage
-
Humanity
-
Justice
-
Temperance
-
Transcendence
Each includes specific traits (e.g., creativity, honesty, leadership) intended to promote flourishing. It’s used in:
-
Personal growth and coaching
-
Education and resilience training
-
Well-being and mindfulness practices
Why Look for an Alternative to VIA Strengths?
VIA has value for personal insight, but it lacks features needed in today’s fast-moving professional world:
-
Lacks development depth: It describes positive traits, but doesn’t offer clear guidance for growth or leadership.
-
Not tied to workplace outcomes: VIA is focused on well-being, not results or capability.
-
Limited organizational fit: It’s rarely used for team strategy, leadership development, or transformation support.
Big 5 of Strategy vs. VIA Strengths
Feature | VIA Strengths | Big 5 of Strategy |
|---|---|---|
Output | Ranked list of 24 traits | Tailored strength profile across 5 areas |
Application | Well-being, education | Strategy, leadership, capability |
Development path | Implicit | Structured and practical |
Scientific grounding | Positive psychology | Research-based (1,200-person study) |
Work context fit | General and personal | Built for modern complexity and change |
Model type | Character strengths | Strategic competencies |
Who is the Big 5 of Strategy For?
The Big 5 of Strategy is built for professionals who want more than personal insight; they want tools to lead effectively, think strategically, and adapt under pressure.
It’s ideal for:
-
Leaders and managers shaping the future of their teams
-
Professionals stepping into more complex roles
-
Coaches working in executive or strategic contexts
-
HR teams building growth-oriented cultures
Why the Big 5 of Strategy Offers More Than Personal Strengths
VIA focuses on who you are. The Big 5 of Strategy focuses on how you lead, deliver, and grow in complex environments.
It measures five core capabilities:
Shape the Future
Move the System
Deliver the Results
Adapt to Change
Each one tied to actionable insights and strategic development paths.
Grasp the Present
