Your Restorative Talent: Fixing What’s Broken
“Every problem has a solution. You just have to be creative enough to find it.” – Travis Kalanick
Have you ever met someone who simply has to fix a problem once they’ve spotted it? Someone who brings calm to chaos—not by avoiding challenges, but by moving straight through them with clarity and purpose? That’s the strength of the “Restorative” talent theme. People with this CliftonStrengths®️ theme are energized by identifying what’s not working and finding ways to make it right again.
If “Restorative”, part of the Executing Domain, is one of your top talents, you’re likely the person others turn to when things fall apart. You’re not rattled by messes, missteps, or mistakes. In fact, you often find meaning in tackling the very challenges others might shy away from. Whether it’s troubleshooting a broken process, supporting a friend through a tough time, or fine-tuning a project that’s gone off track, your instinct is to roll up your sleeves and bring resolution.
“Restorative” isn’t one of my top talents, but it is in my husband’s top five. He’s a physician—a career that demands constant diagnosing and problem-solving. What’s fascinating is that he found his way into medicine long before he ever took the CliftonStrengths®️ assessment. Once he did, it made perfect sense. His path is such a great example of someone landing in a role that aligns beautifully with their natural talents, even without consciously knowing it at the time. And the alignment shows up outside of work too—he’s the one who enjoys solving crossword puzzles and figuring out how to fix things around the house.
If you lead with “Restorative”, people might say, “You always know what to do when things go sideways.” You’re often the steady presence in the storm—the one who offers hope, not through pep talks, but through action. Your ability to solve problems isn’t just practical—it’s deeply powerful. It brings healing, stability, and momentum when it’s needed most.
Restorative in Action
Restorative vs. Command: Both are willing to face problems head-on, but “Command”, from the Influencing Domain, brings emotional clarity and takes charge in moments of conflict or uncertainty, while “Restorative” brings practical clarity and focuses on identifying the issue and resolving it step by step.
Restorative vs. Maximizer: Both want to improve things, but “Maximizer”, also from the Influencing Domain, focuses on taking something that’s already strong and making it excellent, while “Restorative” is drawn to what’s broken or underperforming and wants to bring it back to health.
Leverage Your Restorative Talent
Lead with Restorative
Create spaces where problems can be acknowledged without shame. You’re skilled at shifting focus from blame to solutions.
Offer your insights when others feel stuck> Your calm, clear thinking can turn problems into progress.
Step into leadership roles that require turnaround, troubleshooting, or recovery. You shine there.
Work with Restorative
Seek out environments that value continuous improvement and aren’t afraid of naming what’s not working.
Partner with those who are visionary or futuristic to balance your focus on fixing with building toward what’s next.
Advocate for feedback loops and post-mortems. They fuel your natural desire to learn and improve.
Live with Restorative
Notice how your talent shows up in small ways: fixing a broken appliance, restoring order to a cluttered space, or resolving tension in a relationship.
Set boundaries around “fixing” others. Your strength is powerful, but it’s not your job to solve every problem for everyone.
Celebrate wins. You’re wired to notice what’s wrong, so intentionally pause to see what’s working too.
Coach Someone with Restorative
Ask what kinds of problems they feel most energized to solve. Their answers often reveal hidden passions and skills.
Help them see that fixing things isn’t just maintenance. It’s transformative for others.
Encourage them to take pride in their process, not just the result. Their methodical thinking and persistence are strengths in themselves.
Discover the Strength of Your Restorative Talent
Do you find yourself naturally gravitating toward problems that need solving? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment when you restore function, order, or peace? “Restorative” might be one of your top talents.
The CliftonStrengths®️ assessment can help you uncover and embrace your unique problem-solving gifts. Learn how to use them with confidence and clarity.
👉 Discover Your Top 5 Talents
👉 Unlock All 34 of Your Talents
Want to go deeper? Strengths-based coaching can help you lean into what makes you exceptional—and help others do the same. Book your free strategy session and explore how coaching can support your leadership, relationships, and impact.
