Is CliftonStrengths Too "Nice" for Real Workplace Conflict?: with Tara Gronhovd
If you’ve ever wondered whether CliftonStrengths is just a feel-good tool that avoids hard conversations, this episode delivers a resounding—and nuanced—response. Coaches Sarah Collins and Bill Dippel are joined by Tara Gronhovd, leadership development expert and founder of the Shift Leadership Event, to explore how strengths-based work can actually deepen conflict resolution, not bypass it.
This episode is for anyone who’s been frustrated by surface-level team building, confused about “soft skills,” or unsure how to use CliftonStrengths when tensions rise. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to create real alignment on teams, handle conflict constructively, and use Strengths to foster feedback, not just fluff. You’ll also hear about tools like the “conflict charter” and how to spot when Strengths is being misused.
Main Takeaways
- CliftonStrengths isn’t too nice, it just needs to be in the right hands to tackle real workplace conflict.
- Teams don’t avoid conflict because of Strengths—they avoid it because they’ve never practiced it.
- Great coaching requires going beyond the ‘party trick’ version of Strengths into clear, sometimes uncomfortable conversations.
- Understanding someone’s intent through their Strengths makes it easier to address their impact without defensiveness.
- You can weaponize any tool (including CliftonStrengths) if it’s used shallowly or manipulatively.
- Rituals like conflict charters or safe words (hello “pineapple”) help normalize conflict and reduce fear in teams.
- Leaders must coach and communicate through the lens of others’ strengths, not just their own.
Sound Bites
- “CliftonStrengths isn’t too nice—it’s too often misused.”
- “Kind is clear, and Strengths is a phenomenal tool to create clarity.”
- “Conflict is normal—even where to go for lunch can be a point of tension.”
- “Toxic positivity shows up when people think Strengths is just about what’s ‘right’ with you.”
- “You can’t hire based on Strengths without knowing if someone uses them maturely.”
- “One-and-done workshops often do more harm than good.”
- “We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intent—Strengths helps bridge that gap.”
- “Just because someone interviews well doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for your culture.”
- “My connectedness and command are in conflict with each other inside me every day.”
- “Bracing for conflict isn’t preparation—it’s just hoping it won’t happen again.”
- “Conflict charters are like a workplace version of the talking stick—we all know the rules.”
- “Every team should have a shared language for feedback before things get messy.”
- “You’re not bad at conflict—you’re just under-practiced.”
- “When people feel seen for their intent, they can hear feedback about their impact.”
- “Coaches aren’t immune to dumpster fires—we just know how to learn from them.”
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
GET MORE FROM BILL AND SARAH:
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/
Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/
Bill's info:
https://billdippel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdippel/
https://www.instagram.com/billdippelcoach/
Sarah's info:
https://www.wearecollinsco.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoachcollins/
https://www.instagram.com/sarahcoachcollins/
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
Tara Gronhovd
Tara believes in transforming the status quo. She is a change agent and applies that talent to every aspect of her life. ALIGN is a continuation of her talent for transformation and a culmination of her passion for leadership and genuine love for business. ALIGN grows Leadership Capacity for scaling and succession-ready organizations
