If you’ve ever wondered whether CliftonStrengths is just a feel-good tool that avoids hard conversations, this episode delivers a resounding—and nuanced—response. Coaches Sarah Collins and Bill Dippel are joined by Tara Gronhovd, leadership development expert and founder of the Shift Leadership Event, to explore how strengths-based work can actually deepen conflict resolution, not bypass it.

This episode is for anyone who’s been frustrated by surface-level team building, confused about “soft skills,” or unsure how to use CliftonStrengths when tensions rise. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to create real alignment on teams, handle conflict constructively, and use Strengths to foster feedback, not just fluff. You’ll also hear about tools like the “conflict charter” and how to spot when Strengths is being misused.

Main Takeaways

1. CliftonStrengths isn’t too nice, it just needs to be in the right hands to tackle real workplace conflict.
2. Teams don’t avoid conflict because of Strengths—they avoid it because they’ve never practiced it.
3. Great coaching requires going beyond the ‘party trick’ version of Strengths into clear, sometimes uncomfortable conversations.
4. Understanding someone’s intent through their Strengths makes it easier to address their impact without defensiveness.
5. You can weaponize any tool (including CliftonStrengths) if it’s used shallowly or manipulatively.
6. Rituals like conflict charters or safe words (hello “pineapple”) help normalize conflict and reduce fear in teams.
7. Leaders must coach and communicate through the lens of others’ strengths, not just their own.

Sound Bites

1. “CliftonStrengths isn’t too nice—it’s too often misused.”
2. “Kind is clear, and Strengths is a phenomenal tool to create clarity.”
3. “Conflict is normal—even where to go for lunch can be a point of tension.”
4. “Toxic positivity shows up when people think Strengths is just about what’s ‘right’ with you.”
5. “You can’t hire based on Strengths without knowing if someone uses them maturely.”
6. “One-and-done workshops often do more harm than good.”
7. “We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intent—Strengths helps bridge that gap.”
8. “Just because someone interviews well doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for your culture.”
9. “My connectedness and command are in conflict with each other inside me every day.”
10. “Bracing for conflict isn’t preparation—it’s just hoping it won’t happen again.”
11. “Conflict charters are like a workplace version of the talking stick—we all know the rules.”
12. “Every team should have a shared language for feedback before things get messy.”
13. “You’re not bad at conflict—you’re just under-practiced.”
14. “When people feel seen for their intent, they can hear feedback about their impact.”
15. “Coaches aren’t immune to dumpster fires—we just know how to learn from them.”

Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths 

1) Individualization

2) Developer

3) Activator

4) Woo

5) Restorative

6) Empathy

7) Harmony

8) Connectedness

9) Relator

10) Learner

Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths 

1) Positivity

2) Woo

3) Communication

4) Harmony

5) Activator

6) Developer

7) Input

8) Individualization

9) Responsibility

10) Arranger 

Official Strengths On Fire Website:  https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm

GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/

Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/