Unlocking the Chemistry of Human Potential
Just as the elements shape our physical world, Strengths shape our inner world.
Imagine walking into a science lab, but instead of beakers and atoms, you see passion, drive, empathy, and strategy mapped out like elements on a table.
It’s called the Strengths Periodic Table, a fresh and compelling visual metaphor that transforms Gallup’s 34 CliftonStrengths themes into the building blocks of human potential.
The Strengths Periodic Table metaphor views Strengths as elemental forces of chemistry that power performance, relationships, and purpose. From this lens, we’re all Strengths chemists in our own way, with each interaction, aspiration, and task requiring their own mixtures.
Let’s explore what this one-of-a-kind metaphor has to offer.
The Strengths Periodic Table: Seeing Strengths Through a New Lens
Just as chemists group elements by behavior and bonding potential, Gallup categorizes Strengths into four key domains:
Strategic Thinking: your mental molecules (shapes ideas).
These are the idea atoms that combine to create complex insights, plans, and possibilities.
In chemistry, molecules are formed when atoms bond in specific patterns to create something new.
In the same way, Strategic Thinking Strengths (like Futuristic, Ideation, Learner, Strategic) help leaders take individual pieces of information and combine them into meaningful mental models.
Relationship Building: your emotional bonds (like how molecules are formed).
These are the interpersonal forces that hold teams together, like the bonds that form stable molecules.
In chemistry, a bond forms when atoms share electrons. In relationships, people form bonds by sharing empathy, trust, time, and care. The Relationship Building domain includes Strengths like Empathy, Relator, Developer, Includer, all of which help create safe, stable, and emotionally intelligent environments.
Executing: your structural frameworks (like a structure of atoms).
These are the atomic building blocks of productivity, the framework upon which results are constructed.
In chemistry, atoms are the structural building blocks of molecules. Similarly, Executing Strengths (like Achiever, Discipline, Responsibility, Focus) create order, drive, and dependability within a team or organization.
Influencing: your catalytic reactions (sparks action).
In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that sparks or speeds up a reaction without being consumed in the process.
Influencing themes (like Communication, Woo, Command, Activator) help people move others to action, spark momentum, or get buy-in.
Influencers make things happen.
Enjoying The Strengths Periodic Table? Check Out These Deep Learning Opportunities
Before we move on, I wanted to share some events that might peak your interest. If you’re enjoying this concept and looking for deeper dives into Strengths, I’d love to have you as a part of my Strengths Champion Certified Coach 2-Day Workshop, a fast-tracked learning program from which you’ll emerge a certified Strengths Coach!
Find a program timeslot that works for you on my events page!
If you’re already a certified coach, consider joining the Strengthspreneur® Mastermind community! Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur, the Strengthspreneur® Mastermind gives you the tools, tribe, and transformation you need to finally build the business you’ve been dreaming about.
We’d love to have you be a part of our community!
Creative Strengths Chemistry: Leadership Formulas That Work
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” — Romans 12:4–5 (NIV)
In leadership and life, knowing your Strengths (and those of others) creates unity and winning combinations.
But what happens when you start experimenting? That’s where leadership gets interesting.
Think about your Top 5 CliftonStrengths as your own unique chemical formula, a blueprint for how you think, feel, and perform at your best.
Combine them with others and you get a reaction that changes teams, ignites creativity, and sustains excellence.
Executing Domain (The Builders & Doers)
– Achiever: Like hydrogen: common, energizing, and foundational.
– Responsibility: The glue that holds commitments together.
– Discipline, Focus, Restorative: Precision, persistence, and problem-solving.
Formula Idea: Combine Achiever + Arranger for high-output project leadership. Build momentum with structure and flexibility.
Relationship Building Domain (The Connectors)
– Empathy, Developer, Relator: The “growth bond” in any human-centered work.
– Harmony, Adaptability, Includer: Masters of flow and unity.
Formula Idea: Use Empathy + Developer + Relator for a coach’s dream combo, one that nurtures potential and builds authentic connection.
Influencing Domain (The Catalysts)
– Communication + Woo + Significance: The “charisma cluster” that commands attention and creates movement.
– Maximizer, Activator, Command: Bold leaders with a drive to start and finish strong.
Formula Idea: Spark energy in meetings or marketing with Communication + Woo. Amplify with Significance for lasting impact.
Strategic Thinking Domain (The Futurists)
– Learner + Ideation + Futuristic: Your “innovation engine” for forward-looking problem-solvers.
– Strategic + Input + Intellection: Navigate complexity with insight and clarity.
Formula Idea: Planning a long-term strategy? Fuse Futuristic + Strategic + Learner to see the vision, map the path, and adapt in real time.
Become a Strengths Scientist With Your Own Copy of the Strengths Periodic Table Here!
Coaching with the Strengths Periodic Table
Coaching with the Strengths Table
Want to bring this concept to life in your leadership or team?
Print the Table and mark your Top 5.
Where are your domains clustered? What Strengths are underrepresented?
Ask Yourself:
– What are your “core elements”?
– What rare or less-used “trace elements” could add new value?
– How do your Strengths combine—or occasionally conflict?
Use Strengths Chemistry Coaching Sessions:
– Group team members by domain to spot synergy or gaps.
– Identify “chemistry clusters” for high-performing teams.
– Map complementary pairs for better partnerships.
Based on The Strengths Periodic Table, What’s Your Strengths Chemistry?
The Strengths Periodic Table shows us the mindset of Strengths chemistry.
It invites us to:
– See ourselves and others with deeper appreciation.
– Build teams that thrive in meaningful ways.
– Spark change by activating our unique elements.
Whether you’re a CEO, coach, teacher, or team builder, understanding your inner chemistry can transform how you lead, relate, and grow.
So… what’s your Strengths formula? Let’s work it out together.
