Stepping into the role of a CliftonStrengths ™ facilitator for the first time can feel exciting and a little intimidating. Maybe you’re passionate about helping others discover their strengths but aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to planning a full workshop. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out from scratch.
Let’s walk through the key steps to prepare for a successful, strengths-based workshop, giving you the tools and confidence to create a meaningful experience for your group, no matter your starting point.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Before you jump into planning your workshop, it’s worth taking a few minutes to think about who you’ll be working with. Understanding your group helps you shape the experience in a way that feels impactful.
Group Size
Tailor your approach depending on group size, small team or larger audience, to create the right environment for learning. The number of people in your workshop can influence everything from the tone of your session to the activities you choose.
- With smaller groups, think 5 to 10 people, you can get more personal. There’s room for open conversation, deeper sharing, and more time to explore individual strengths.
- With larger groups, the energy is different. You may need to rely more on structured activities, breakout groups, and clear facilitation to keep everyone involved. It’s less about one-on-one insight and more about creating a shared learning experience.
No matter the size of your group, you can create a meaningful experience. The key is knowing what to expect and planning around it.
Familiarity with ClinftonStrengths™
Not everyone is starting from the same place. Understand whether your participants are beginners or experienced to adjust the content appropriately. Some groups may be completely new to CliftonStrengths ™, while others may have taken the assessment and even done some team work around it.
- If you’re working with beginners, be ready to introduce the basics: what the assessment is, how to read their reports, and why it matters. You'll want to build in time for reflection and Q&A.
- If your group already knows their Top 5 or Full 34, you can dig a little deeper. Maybe into team dynamics, blind spots, or applying strengths to specific goals or challenges.
Either way, meeting people where they are helps build trust and engagement right from the start.
Industry or Team Type
Consider the industry or team type, corporate, nonprofit, or education, as this will affect how you plan and deliver your strengths workshop.
- A sales team might be focused on performance and goal setting.
- A nonprofit might care more about mission alignment and communication.
- Educators might be thinking about how strengths show up in the classroom or among students.
When you speak their language and offer examples that feel familiar, your workshop becomes more than just a training, it becomes relevant and usable.
Step 2: Prep the Right Materials
Getting your materials ready ahead of time helps set the tone for a good experience. Whether it’s printed reports or visual aids, the right tools can make a big impact on how participants connect with the content.
- Print Individual Strengths Reports: Make sure each participant has their CliftonStrengths ™ report and a participant guide. Seeing their top strengths in front of them helps participants engage more from the start. These materials support reflection, encourage notetaking, and act as helpful references during exercises and discussions.
- Select Reflection Activities, Exercises, and Discussion Prompts: Pick exercises that align with your session’s goals and your group’s experience level. Activities like journaling or group discussions give participants the chance to explore their strengths in meaningful ways and learn from each other.
- Bring Relevant Workshop Kits or Strengths Coaching Supplies: Don’t forget essentials like markers, sticky notes, Gallup kits, or coaching cards. Having these tools ready to go keeps your session running smoothly and shows you’re well prepared. It also helps maintain momentum and minimizes downtime between activities.
Order Ahead: Supplies That Support Engagement
Some items are worth planning for in advance, especially if you want your workshop to feel organized and thoughtfully planned.
- Name Tags Printed with Top Strengths: Personalized name tags showing participants’ top strengths help break the ice and spark more strengths-based conversations throughout the session. They also make it easier to refer to each other’s talents during group work.
- Table Tents: Table tents with participants' names and strengths help keep the focus on talents during group discussions. These small but effective tools promote visibility and engagement, especially in larger groups or breakout formats.
Step 3: Set Up the Space for Interaction
The setup of a workshop matters more than you might realize. A thoughtful layout and a few simple touches can make your session feel more welcoming, engaging, and collaborative right from the start. From how the room is arranged to how you open and close the conversation, small choices can make a big difference in how people participate.
- Set the Room up for Connection: The space should make it easy for people to engage. This includes with each other and the content being shared. Consider providing water, coffee, or light snacks to keep energy levels up and helps participants feel comfortable throughout the workshop. Instead of rows, try circles or tables so everyone can see and talk to one another. It creates a more relaxed, collaborative feel. Also, make sure visuals are easy to see from anywhere in the room. A set up that supports conversation and clarity sets the tone for a better session.
- Build in Time for Connection and Reflection: Start your session with a simple, relevant icebreaker to help participants focus and engage, like asking which strength they rely on most or what they want to gain from the session. Throughout the workshop, leave time for discussion breaks with prompts that encourage sharing how the content applies to their work or what stands out to them. These short conversations boost participation and help make the material more relevant. Leave space at the end of each section or the whole session for people to ask questions or highlight takeaways.
- Communicate Before and After the Session: Send a brief pre-session message that outlines the agenda, shares any prep materials they may need, and includes a question to prompt early reflection. After the session, follow up with a recap and a prompt encouraging participants to apply what they learned. For example, asking them to identify one action they’ll take based on the session. This could include trying a new way to use their top strengths at work, using a communication tip or strategy covered in the workshop, or having a conversation with a teammate about how their strengths complement each other. This keeps engagement high and helps translate insights into real results.
The Takeaway
Planning ahead is one of the most important steps you can take to lead a successful CliftonStrengths™ workshop. When you understand your audience, prepare the right materials, and create a space that supports interaction and learning, you lay the groundwork for a meaningful workshop.
Thoughtful details like personalized name tags and table tents link both those help participants connect with each other and the content in deeper, more personal ways. Whether you're leading your first session or looking to fine-tune your approach, a little preparation can go a long way. Download our checklist to make sure you’re fully equipped for a smooth, impactful workshop!