Recognizing the Power of Significance

To round out my series of articles about my personal top 5 CliftonStrengths, today I want to talk about Significance. This is an often misunderstood strength. Some might assume that it’s just about craving attention or being “in the spotlight.” In reality, Significance goes much deeper. It involves striving to create a lasting impact and to do work that truly matters.

Desire for Impact and Recognition

Significance is a theme in the Influencing domain of CliftonStrengths, which means individuals with this talent not only want to be heard, they want their contributions to resonate. It’s more than receiving applause; it’s the profound need to feel that their efforts move the needle for the organization, a community, or a cause.

Because of this motivation, people with Significance frequently ask themselves a guiding question: “Will this matter in the long run?” They measure ideas and initiatives by the potential for real, visible results. While they do appreciate attention, it isn’t purely self-serving; rather, it’s the validation that their work has genuine value, is taken seriously, and is making an impact that goes beyond the everyday.

High Standards and Ambition

A hallmark of the Significance talent is setting high standards. This is not a high standard that those with Significance hold themselves to, but also the standard to which they hold those around them as well. They gravitate toward tasks and projects that promise bigger outcomes, and they encourage everyone to reach beyond mediocrity. In many cases, they choose to surround themselves with credible, professional, and equally driven colleagues, believing that collective ambition amplifies impact.

This drive can sometimes mean they will move on if they sense they aren’t being recognized or if their potential is not being utilized. Their pursuit of excellence leads them to seek environments that value ambitious thinking. When properly engaged, however, their determination ensures quality outcomes and lofty goals that inspire others to step up their game.

How Significance Influences Teams

Teams that include someone high in Significance benefit from a potent blend of vision and action. Individuals with this strength:

• Champion Visibility: They speak up in meetings and push for bold ideas, ensuring worthy concepts don’t fade into the background.
• Boost Morale with Recognition: By highlighting achievements, both theirs and others’, they remind the group that success should be celebrated and shared.
• Create Momentum: Their question of whether something will “matter” promotes a sense of urgency for important projects, helping the team focus on high-impact areas instead of getting lost in trivial tasks.

Of course, those around them may need to understand that this hunger for recognition is driven by a genuine desire to elevate the collective work. When Significance is harnessed effectively, it lifts the entire team, guiding them toward results that stand out.

Fostering Significance in the Workplace

Leaders and colleagues who recognize the value of Significance can channel it to enhance both collaboration and outcomes:

1. Give Them Autonomy: Let them shape projects and bring their vision to life. The freedom to work in a credible, professional manner drives them to excel.
2. Acknowledge Accomplishments: People with Significance are fueled by knowing their efforts are appreciated. This validation helps them maintain the momentum needed to keep reaching higher.
3. Encourage Big Thinking: By challenging them with projects that have wide-ranging impact, you satisfy their yearning to tackle meaningful initiatives.
4. Balance with Complementary Talents: Pairing Significance with strengths like Strategic or Relator can ensure ambitious goals are rooted in a well-rounded plan and supported by strong relationships.

The Endless Push Toward Exceptional

Ultimately, Significance is about making a mark that endures. Those who have it aren’t content with fleeting wins; they want their influence to linger well after the project is done or even after they’ve moved on. Rather than settling for “good enough,” individuals with Significance continually raise the bar. They ensure the work they champion is seen, recognized, and, above all, truly impactful.

Yes, Significance can be seen as a craving for attention, but it’s a specific kind: recognition that underscores the importance of what is done. When channeled effectively, Significance becomes a force that propels teams beyond the mundane and into realms of exceptional performance. For leaders and organizations open to fostering such a drive, the payoff is substantial. Ambitious goals are achieved, innovation thrives, and everyone involved gets a taste of what happens when the aim is nothing less than meaningful, lasting impact.