CliftonStrengths®

Getting to Know Your Strategic Thinking Themes
(Get Your Guide Today)

By, Curtis Isozaki, M.A., CF-LSP

How do you absorb, think about, and analyze information? Strategic Thinking themes keep a team focused on what could be. They absorb and analyze information, help the team decide better, and stretch its thinking for the future.

The Eight Strategic Thinking Themes: Read each definition to Name it. Highlight the words or phrases that stand out to you to Claim it. Then answer the question for the strengths you lead with in your daily life to AIM it.

  • Analytical®: Searches for reasons and causes. Wants the data, the evidence, the logic. What assumption needs to be questioned before it becomes a foundation?
  • Context®: Looks to the past to understand the present and plan the future. What story from the past could give someone clarity to move forward?
  • Futuristic®: Energized by what could be and paints vivid pictures of the future. What vision of a better future can you paint for someone who is struggling?
  • Ideation®: Fascinated by ideas and connections between seemingly unrelated things. What new perspective could help someone see their purpose differently?
  • Input®: Collects and curates information, ideas, and resources. What insight you’ve been collecting could serve someone right now?
  • Intellection®: Loves to think and needs space for deep reflection. What question deserves your deepest thinking, and how will you protect space for it?
  • Learner®: Energized by the process of learning itself, not just the outcome. What will you learn this week, and how will you make it visible?
  • Strategic®: Quickly spots patterns and charts alternative paths forward. What complex situation needs you to sort the signal from the noise?

Get the FREE Relationship Building Domain Guide: A two-page guide with all eight themes and a Name it, Claim it, AIM it worksheet (Get Your Guide, TODAY!). Then, see how these themes connect to flourishing (Start Your Journey Toward Flourishing, TODAY!)

How to use your strengths: Name it. Claim it. AIM it.

  • Name It: Learn the words for what you already do well.
  • Claim It: Notice where that strength shows up in your week.
  • Aim It: Point it at one person or goal on purpose.

References:

Rath, T. (2007). StrengthsFinder 2.0. Gallup Press.

October 15, 2026

About Curtis Isozaki
Curtis Isozaki, M.A., CF-LSP, is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and the founder of Isozaki Coaching. He helps leaders and teams build their strengths and build for flourishing.

Gallup®, CliftonStrengths® and each of the 34 CliftonStrengths® theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc.

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