Understanding Dynamics of Talent Themes - "Complementary Themes"

by Dries Lombaard

"Complementary" means combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another. 

When we apply this definition to the CliftonStrengths Talent Themes, a case can be made that any combination of themes that may combine will have a complementary effect on each other.  This is true.  However, when we apply the term "Complementary Themes", we indicate that it is a combination of two or more themes with similar characteristics that therefore emphasize the qualities of each other.

Talent Domains

The first important understanding regarding complementary themes lies within the four Talent Domains, namely the "Executing, Influencing, Relational and Thinking" Domains.  

Within these Domains, you can always regard themes to be strongly complementary.  This is due to the similar characteristics they share within a Domain, which point to a similar type of energy and need within the themes.

In my previous blog post I explained the effect of "Super Themes".  At times it is easy to confuse "Complementary Themes" with "Super Themes".  An easy way to distinguish the difference is to keep in mind that although all Super Theme combinations are complementary of each other, not all Complementary Themes will be Super Themes. (See previous post).

When can we regard a combination as "complementary" in nature?

As a rule of thumb, it is helpful to ask yourself if two themes "seamlessly attach" to each other when they both appear as dominant themes in a profile.  The complementary aspect comes in when both (or more) of the themes align well in terms of the energy and need they share, but on top of that one of the themes adds a very specific aspect that the other theme lacks, thereby complementing it.  

For example: 

Input and Ideation.  

Both are Thinking Themes, the one (Input) adding the researching aspect of gathering information and sharing it, whilst the other one (Ideation) brings strong creativity and fresh thinking to the mix.  The complementary nature here is that Input would have a creative and fresh approach to its research because of Ideation, while Ideation would tap from the researching energy of Input in order to add information to its creative process.

Positivity and Includer.

The theme of Positivity brings the energy, hope and vibrancy to the mix, which will complement Includer with its need to include everybody and not leave anyone behind, and also to be included.  This complementary nature will mean that Positivity will reach more, where Includer will have a lot more energy and vibrancy in its including nature.

Activator and Maximizer.

Both themes are strong Influencing, they therefore share the need to create response and reaction.  Activator will be strongly motivational and fast out of the blocks, adding speed and energy to the launching of Maximizer to take people or things to the next level of excellence.  Maximizer will complement Activator in the sense that it will probably be more selective in who it activates, being strong on backing the strengths in individuals and projects first.

Complementary Themes can also play across the Domains:

Developer and Maximizer.

Where Maximizer is impatient in nature and drawn towards influencing more people (groups), Developer is very patient and loves the one-on-one development in small steps rather than giant leaps.
In this sense it is strongly complementary.

Analytical and Arranger.

The need of Analytical is to gather and work from a clinical factual base of verifiable data and facts. Add this to Arranger and you get a specific approach to the organizational brilliance of Arranger, where they make sure they have the right data and facts and then organize accordingly.

Again, as you will notice, any theme combination can be complementary in nature - even the so-called Contrasting Themes (next post).

But where two or more themes add strong complementary dynamics in enhancing each other, they will be regarded as being "Complementary Themes".

Also, as always, do not regard the above descriptions as an exact science.  Always keep the individual, and human, element in mind that comes from the person owning the themes.