Educational psychologist the late Donald O. Clifton, who developed the Clifton StrengthsFinder test, recognised that individuals are likely to gain more when they expend effort to build on their strengths than if they expend the same effort on resolving weaknesses. It seems that by focusing on our key strengths, we enhance both our self-motivation and our career satisfaction.

Based on a series of questions, the Clifton StrengthsFinder test is a measure of personal talent that identifies areas where an individual’s greatest potential for building strengths lies. Are you more suited to the role of a pharmacy manager or an independent prescriber? How do you know which role suits you more?

You can purchase the test from Gallup and will find summaries online. You may find that you naturally associate with certain talent themes on the list. The key to building a happy and successful career or to finding success in a particular role is to grow those talents further. 

In this module, we’re going to use a personal SWOT analysis to identify your strengths and the opportunities that are available to you (see box, below).

Your personal SWOT analysis

Undertake a personal SWOT analysis using the tool below. Be honest with your findings. Consider how you can build upon your strengths and use them to mitigate your personal limitations or challenges.