Are We Overhyping Achiever?: with Token Barnthouse
In this honest, energizing, and sometimes hilariously relatable episode, Sarah and Bill ask the question so many CliftonStrengths coaches secretly wonder: Are we overhyping Achiever? They dive into the complexity of this popular strength—why it’s often praised, where it can get toxic, and how to coach it toward something more sustainable. From LinkedIn poll results to personal confessions of burnout and boundary-pushing, this conversation is both a celebration and a cautionary tale. If you’ve ever worn “busy” like a badge of honor or felt stuck on the productivity hamster wheel, this episode is your permission slip to rethink what actually matters.
Main Takeaways
- Achiever is powerful, but without boundaries, it can quickly lead to burnout.
- Our culture rewards productivity, which makes Achiever look heroic—even when it’s unhealthy.
- You don’t have to earn your rest—your worth isn’t tied to how much you check off.
- Achiever can unintentionally create pressure or shame in teams that operate at different paces.
- Coaching Achiever well means helping clients define enough and celebrate progress, not just completion.
- Pairing Achiever with relational or reflective strengths helps balance the drive.
- The real flex isn’t doing more—it’s knowing when to stop.
Sound Bites
- “Just because it’s productive doesn’t mean it’s healthy.”
- “The grind is glorified—but at what cost?”
- “I used to think my to-do list defined my value.”
- “Achiever is a strength… until it becomes a compulsion.”
- “You can love your Achiever and still learn to rest.”
- “Busy is not a personality trait.”
- “Achievers often don’t know what ‘done’ feels like—because there’s always more.”
- “The most rebellious thing an Achiever can do? Take a nap without guilt.”
- “Our poll showed most people think Achiever is great with boundaries—and that feels exactly right.”
- “Sometimes the Achiever voice in your head is just a little too loud.”
- “Achievement for achievement’s sake can start to feel pretty hollow.”
- “I see Achiever like a race car—it’s fast, powerful, and it needs pit stops.”
- “Coaching Achievers isn’t about slowing them down—it’s about helping them go further without crashing.”
- “Achievement is awesome… until you realize you forgot to enjoy any of it.”
- “We’re not here to cancel Achiever—but we are saying, maybe it needs a coach.”
Bill's Top 10 CliftonStrengths
1) Individualization
2) Developer
3) Activator
4) Woo
5) Restorative
6) Empathy
7) Harmony
8) Connectedness
9) Relator
10) Learner
Sarah's Top 10 CliftonStrengths
1) Positivity
2) Woo
3) Communication
4) Harmony
5) Activator
6) Developer
7) Input
8) Individualization
9) Responsibility
10) Arranger
Official Strengths On Fire Website: https://strengthsonfire.transistor.fm
Creators and Guests
Host
Bill Dippel
Bill Dippel is a certified, professional Strengths coach with a 35-year career in nonprofits and higher education. His passion is working with organizations, teams, and individuals to ensure they are performing and communicating at the highest levels. As president of Bill Dippel Strengths Coaching, he travels frequently for large events and public speaking, as well as working with whole companies through their management teams.
Host
Sarah Collins
Sarah Collins is a certified CliftonStrengths coach and founder of Collins Collective, with over 12 years of experience in strengths-based coaching and leadership development. Her passion lies in empowering businesses, teams, and individuals to communicate and perform at their best by focusing on what they do well. As the leader of Collins Collective, Sarah combines engaging workshops, high-impact keynotes, and in-depth coaching to foster growth and connection. Based in Nebraska, she partners with businesses to drive meaningful change and create high-performing teams.
Guest
Token Barnthouse
Barnthouse has served in several community support programs during a career focused on positive impact; currently serving as Special Projects & Asst. to the CEO at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada as well as through a 22+ year civilian career in US Navy Fleet & Family Readiness programs. He completed a bachelor’s degree in recreation and park administration in 1997 and a master’s degree in recreation and park administration in 2004 from Indiana University. He has led small work teams and large-scale departments in varying leadership & managerial capacities. He is a workplace/classroom training course developer & facilitator as well as a contributing author to collegiate career texts. His performance & volunteerism has garnered local & regional managerial excellence recognition.
