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An Introduction to the Ideation® CliftonStrengths Theme

Looking to learn more about Ideation? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Ideation theme to succeed, or how to help someone harness theirs, you've come to the right place.

What Is the Definition of Ideation?


People exceptionally talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.

People complete the CliftonStrengths assessment to learn which of the 34 themes, like Ideation, are strongest in them.

The following theme description highlights the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you are likely to experience if you have strong Ideation:

You are fascinated by ideas. What is an idea? An idea is a concept, the best explanation of the most events. You are delighted when you discover, beneath the complex surface, an elegantly simple concept to explain why things are the way they are.



Ideation is a theme in the Strategic Thinking domain of CliftonStrengths.

People with dominant Strategic Thinking themes like Ideation absorb and analyze information that informs better decisions.


Learn more about the CliftonStrengths domains

How to Better Understand Your Ideation Theme

Making the most of your Ideation talents starts with gaining valuable insights into what you naturally do best.

How people with strong Ideation talents describe themselves:

  • "I am unaffected by the ambiguity and risk of innovation."
  • "I need freedom to explore possibilities without restraints or limits."
  • "I love coming up with something brand new."
  • "I hate doing what has always been done."
  • "I bring new and fresh perspectives."

How to Apply Your Ideation to Succeed

The most successful people invest in their strongest talents. The only way to develop your Ideation talents is to use them every day -- at work, at home and everywhere else.

The following are a few ideas for how to apply your Ideation to achieve your goals:

Work With Ideation: You are a natural fit with research and development; you appreciate the mindset of visionaries and dreamers. Spend time with imaginative peers, and sit in on their brainstorming sessions.

Lead With Ideation: Understand the fuel for your Ideation talents: When do you get your best ideas? When you're talking with people? When you're reading? When you're simply listening or observing? Take note of the circumstances that seem to produce your best ideas, and recreate them.

Live With Ideation: You are likely to get bored quickly, so make some small changes in your work or home life. Experiment. Play mental games with yourself. All of these will help keep you stimulated.

Check out our in-depth webcasts from Gallup experts for more ideas on ways to use Ideation to maximize your potential.

Watch Gallup experts explain how you can use your Ideation talents to perform at work and in life with excellence.

Managing Team Members With Strong Ideation Talents




Read the following example of how you can help team members develop and apply strong Ideation talents to succeed in their roles.

An Example of Managing Team Members With Ideation:
  • Because they thrive on ideas, feed them new concepts that align with their goals and desired performance outcomes. This will inspire them to use these ideas to generate new insights and discoveries of their own.


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Use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to Discover More About Ideation

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How Strong Are Your Ideation Talents?

Purchase CliftonStrengths 34 to reveal your complete unique talent profile and learn just how strong your Ideation talents are. You'll get personalized insights into your CliftonStrengths results and ideas for maximizing your potential.

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How to Work With Others With Strong Ideation Talents

Gallup offers resources and products you can use to help others succeed by developing their Ideation theme and all their CliftonStrengths.