Responsibility + Achiever: Following Through on Big Promises
Some CliftonStrengths pairs stand out because they work exceptionally well together. One such pairing is “Responsibility” and “Achiever.” “Responsibility” is my #5, and “Achiever” is my husband’s top strength. We both work hard, but we differ in what motivates us. He loves checking things off his to-do list—“to get as many runs as you can on your scorecard,” as he puts it—whereas I am driven by keeping my commitments and doing things ethically.
For example, when we have guests over, I make sure everyone in our family knows which tasks are theirs and ensure they are done correctly. My husband takes on more tasks than anyone else and often completes extra home projects along the way. When we work together, he sets the pace, and I ensure that the priority tasks are done well.
Unpacking “Responsibility”
The “Responsibility” talent is in the Executing domain and is all about taking ownership over commitments. For someone with “Responsibility” in their top 5, their word is gold, and keeping promises is a matter of integrity. People high in “Responsibility” are the moral compass of a team, holding themselves and others accountable because it’s just who they are.
Understanding “Achiever”
The “Achiever” talent is also in the Executing domain and describes people who have a strong work ethic and a love for getting things done. Those with “Achiever” high start their day at zero and gain satisfaction from each task they complete. They are constantly aware of what needs to be done and work diligently until everything is finished.
Combining "Responsibility" + "Achiever"
When you combine “Responsibility” and “Achiever,” you get a powerhouse team. “Achiever” focuses on getting tasks done quickly and efficiently, but might cut corners or miss deadlines without “Responsibility.” On the other hand, “Responsibility” ensures that all promises are kept and tasks are done correctly, but might not get as much done without “Achiever.”This combination can lead to incredible productivity and reliability. However, it's important to watch out for burnout with these two, as both strengths involve working very hard. Taking time to celebrate wins and setting boundaries to avoid overcommitting can help maintain balance.
This combination is particularly powerful in contexts such as:
Project Management: "Responsibility" ensures all project commitments are met with high quality and integrity, while "Achiever" drives the team to meet deadlines efficiently.
Event Planning: "Responsibility" ensures all event details are managed meticulously and commitments to vendors and participants are honored, while "Achiever" pushes the team to execute everything on schedule with high productivity.
Manufacturing: "Responsibility" ensures production meets regulatory standards and customer commitments with high quality and ethical practices, while "Achiever" maintains a steady and high output on the production line.
Explore Your Strengths
Curious to see if “Responsibility” or “Achiever” are in your or your team’s top talents? Taking the CliftonStrengths assessment can help you discover them. Whether you choose the full 34-theme option or the top 5, understanding your strengths is the first step toward using them effectively.
Discover your top talents with the CliftonStrengths assessment:
By knowing and using strengths like “Achiever” and “Responsibility,” you can achieve more, whether working alone or as part of a team. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also helps your team reach its goals. Find out your strengths and start making the most of them today!
