Input + Learner: Brilliant Information Management

Some CliftonStrengths pairs stand out for their exceptional synergy. One such pairing is "Learner" and "Input". My husband's fifth strength is "Input", and my fourth is "Learner", so we experience the blend of these two talents every day.

Jon, my husband, is a medical researcher, among other things. His talent for "Input" makes him naturally adept at collecting and cataloging information. When facing a decision, he consults experts and asks numerous questions to gather insights. In contrast, my "Learner" talent drives me to constantly seek development opportunities. I thrive on a steady diet of books, podcasts, courses, and conferences on different topics that I find interesting. We often joke that, because Iā€™m constantly learning new things, Jon "collected" me as a resource. Together, we form a well-informed duo.

Insight on "Input"

"Input" belongs to the Strategic Thinking talent domain. Those with a strong "Input" trait enjoy collecting and retaining things, often because of their perceived value, which can be informational, memorial, or sentimental. Similar to librarians, they gather, organize, and catalog these valuable resources, which might include books, articles, data, pictures, people, podcasts, or artifacts. "Input" is about the drive to acquire and compile, describing those who collect items 'just in case' they might need them someday.

Discovering "Learner"

"Learner" is also part of the Strategic Thinking talent domain. Learners relish the journey from not knowing to being informed. They value the learning process over tangible outcomes, such as degrees, and are keenly aware of effective learning strategies for themselves and others. They are often most interested in overcoming the initial hurdle of going from ignorance to competence, rather than becoming experts. If you're always on the lookout for new learning opportunities, chances are high that you possess the "Learner" strength.

The Power of Combining "Input" + "Learner"

Merging "Input" with "Learner", whether in one person or across a team, creates a powerful combo, capable of not only gathering vast amounts of information but also deeply understanding and utilizing it. While "Input" provides access to resources, it may lack the drive to use those resources to gain personal knowledge or capabilities. Conversely, "Learner" brings a desire to become more capable, but might need help finding the right sources. Together, they ensure both acquisition and application of knowledge, making them invaluable in various settings:

  • Boosting Professional Development: Using "Learner" and "Input" strengths can greatly improve professional development. The "Learner" trait helps people understand new trends and keep up-to-date, while "Input" lets them gather and organize useful information. Together, they make training programs not only informative but also relevant and engaging, which is great for both personal and career growth.

  • Creating Better Learning Spaces: People with "Input" and "Learner" strengths can create learning environments that suit different styles. "Input" gathers diverse educational materials like case studies, and "Learner" helps make sense of these materials to meet learners' needs. This results in learning spaces that are resource-rich and flexible, perfect for coaching or teaching.

  • Leading Innovation and Growth: Those with "Input" and "Learner" traits excel at innovation. "Input" collects detailed info on industry trends and future directions, while "Learner" uses this info quickly to spot and act on new opportunities. This approach keeps individuals and teams at the forefront of their fields, continually improving and innovating.

Explore Your Strengths

Wondering if "Input", "Learner", or other talents are among your top strengths? Taking the CliftonStrengths assessment could uncover them. Opting for either the full 34-theme inventory or just the top 5, understanding your strengths is crucial for leveraging them effectively.

Discover your top talents with the CliftonStrengths assessment:

By knowing and using our strengths, such as "Input" and "Learner", you can achieve more, whether working alone or as part of a team. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also brings your team closer to reaching its goals. Find out your strengths and start making the most of them today!

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Your Achiever Talent: Driven To Get It Done

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Understanding the Difference Between Talent, Knowledge, and Skill