CliftonStrengths vs MBTI vs Big 5 of Strategy — Which Helps You Grow in 2025?
CliftonStrengths vs MBTI — Which One Helps You Grow?
MBTI and CliftonStrengths are two of the most used self-assessments in coaching, leadership, and career development.
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MBTI assigns people to one of 16 personality types (e.g., ENFJ, ISTP) based on preferences.
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CliftonStrengths ranks 34 talent themes to help individuals focus on what they naturally do best.
Both are popular, but they were built for a different era.
In today’s world, professionals need more than reflection or trait rankings. They need to understand how to lead, adapt, and perform strategically.
That’s where the Big 5 of Strategy comes in.
What Are MBTI and CliftonStrengths Good For?
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
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Focuses on psychological preferences
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Often used in team settings or for communication training
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Lacks evidence for reliability and consistency over time
CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder)
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Based on Gallup research into talent development
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Helps people build on top strengths
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Offers value in coaching and growth conversations
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Does not link directly to role performance or strategy
Why They Fall Short in Today’s World
MBTI and CliftonStrengths both help people reflect. But in today’s world, reflection alone is not enough:
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Work is more strategic and interdisciplinary
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Roles shift quickly and require adaptability
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Leaders must think and act systemically, not just play to natural tendencies
Neither MBTI nor CliftonStrengths shows how someone performs under pressure, leads transformation, or delivers results in complex environments.
Enter the Big 5 of Strategy
The Big 5 of Strategy is designed for modern professionals and leaders navigating complexity, change, and accountability. It assesses five strategic competencies:
Grasp the Present
Shape the Future
Move the System
Deliver the Results
Adapt to Change
It’s not about what you are, it’s about what you can do, how you grow, and how you lead.
CliftonStrengths vs MBTI vs Big 5 of Strategy Side-by-Side
Feature | CliftonStrengths | MBTI | Big 5 of Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
Model Type | Talent themes | Personality typology | Strategic competencies |
Output | Ranked top strengths | 1 of 16 personality types | Personalized growth profile |
Development Focus | Partial | None | Built-in and actionable |
Role Fit | General guidance | Limited | Tailored to strategic demands |
Workplace Relevance | Medium–High | Medium | Very high – performance-oriented |
Scientific Foundation | Proprietary research | Low | Propietary research |
Flexibility | Trait-based | Type-based | Situational, adaptable |
Choosing the Right Tool in 2025
It depends on your goal:
If You Need | Choose |
|---|---|
To explore personality preferences | MBTI |
To focus on natural strengths | CliftonStrengths |
To grow strategically, lead, and adapt | Big 5 of Strategy |
Why the Big 5 of Strategy Is the Better Fit
Unlike MBTI and CliftonStrengths, the Big 5 of Strategy is:
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Actionable: Your report includes clear strengths and growth areas
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Work-relevant: Built for leadership, strategy, and delivery
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Dynamic: Adapted to changing roles and environments
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Evidence-based: Backed by a 1,200-person research study
It’s not just who you are, it’s what you’re ready to do next.
