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An Introduction to the Command® CliftonStrengths Theme

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

You'll find definitions and descriptions made popular in the international bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0, plus ideas for how to better understand and use this CliftonStrengths theme.

What Is the Definition of Command?

Command and the rest of the CliftonStrengths themes are comprised of natural talents that Gallup has identified through decades of research.

People exceptionally talented in the Command theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions.

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

The following definition describes the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you are likely to experience if you have strong Command:

Command leads you to take charge. Unlike some people, you feel no discomfort with imposing your views on others.

On the contrary, once your opinion is formed, you need to share it with others. Once your goal is set, you feel restless until you have aligned others with you. You are not frightened by confrontation; rather, you know that confrontation is the first step toward resolution.

Whereas others may avoid facing up to life's unpleasantness, you feel compelled to present the facts or the truth, no matter how unpleasant it may be. You need things to be clear between people and challenge them to be clear-eyed and honest. You push them to take risks. You may even intimidate them. And while some may resent this, labeling you opinionated, they often willingly hand you the reins.

People are drawn toward those who take a stance and ask them to move in a certain direction. Therefore, people will be drawn to you. You have presence. You have Command.

Command is a theme in the Influencing domain of CliftonStrengths.

People with dominant Influencing themes like Command take charge, speak up and make sure others are heard.

Each of the 34 CliftonStrengths sort to one of four domains -- Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building and Strategic Thinking. These domains help you understand how to use individual CliftonStrengths to succeed when you join, create or lead a team.

Learn more about the CliftonStrengths domains

How to Better Understand Your Command Theme

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

How people with strong Command talents describe themselves:

  • "I am direct and decisive."
  • "I need challenges and conflicts."
  • "I love exerting control in situations that seem out of control."
  • "I hate passivity and avoidance."
  • "I bring emotional clarity."

How to Apply Your Command to Succeed

The most successful people invest in their strongest talents. The only way to develop your Command 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 Command to achieve your goals:

Work With Command: Partner with someone with strong Woo or Empathy talents. Some obstacles do not need to be confronted; they can be circumvented. This person can help you avoid obstacles through relationships.

Lead With Command: Consider taking the lead on a committee. You have definite ideas about what you would like to see happen, and you can naturally influence a group to follow you. You might be comfortable spearheading new initiatives.

Live With Command: In your relationships, seize opportunities to speak plainly and directly about sensitive subjects. Your unwillingness to hide from the truth can become a source of strength and constancy for your colleagues and friends. Strive to become known as a candid person.

Check out our in-depth videos from Gallup experts for more ways to use Command to make the most of your potential.

Command:

If You're a Manager With Command

Your Command talent makes you stronger. Lead with your strengths so both you and your team can succeed. A strengths-based approach to management will lead to:

  • better conversations
  • stronger partnerships
  • higher team engagement
  • greater collaboration

For manager-specific insights and strategies, check out your CliftonStrengths for Managers report and explore your top 10 themes and how you can use them to reach your goals.

Managing Team Members With Strong Command Talents

Discovering the collective talents of your team using the CliftonStrengths assessment is just the first step.

To successfully manage or lead others, you must individualize your approach. You must understand what makes each of your team members unique. And you must lead meaningful conversations about performance that focus on what each person naturally does best.

An Example of Managing Team Members With Command

Encourage people with dominant Command talents to take on important challenges and bring others along with them. They have talents that can lead others out of their comfort zone and into new territory.

Use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to Discover More About Command

CliftonStrengths DNA Strand image.

How Strong Are Your Command Talents?

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

Group of people at work discussing their strengths.

How to Work With Others With Strong Command Talents

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