Live Above the Line with CliftonStrengths®
When we think about personal growth, we often draw upon different frameworks and perspectives to better understand ourselves and others. As a Gallup®-Certified Strengths Coach, I always find myself applying CliftonStrengths® to every personal development book I read. I recently read Above the Line by Stephen Klemich and Mara Klemich, PhD, and it struck me how their Four Principles model could serve as a practical tool to help us align and aim our strengths in real time.
CliftonStrengths® provides deep insights into our unique talents, while Above the Line offers a practical framework for assessing our behavior and mindset in the moment. Together, these frameworks can help us live authentic, purpose-driven lives by combining depth of understanding with actionable, real-time guidance.
Above the Line vs. Below the Line
The concept of Above the Line behavior is about recognizing whether we're acting from a place of love, connection, and growth, or if we're falling into patterns of fear and self-protection. When we are above the line, we are open, curious, and aligned with our values. We are in a state that allows us to grow and support others in their growth from a place of love. When we are below the line, we operate from defensiveness, self-protection, or self-promotion, all of which come from fear, leading to misusing our strengths or ignoring them altogether.
How CliftonStrengths® Aligns with Above the Line
Understanding how we operate above or below the line sets the foundation for how we can effectively use our strengths. Let’s explore how CliftonStrengths® can be aligned with this concept to enhance our personal growth.
The CliftonStrengths® framework helps us understand our unique talents—those natural patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that can become powerful strengths when cultivated. The Gallup® organization encourages individuals to 'Name, Claim, and Aim' their talents. Naming our talents helps us identify and understand what makes us unique, while claiming them means fully accepting and valuing these talents as a part of who we are. The next step, aiming our talents, is where the Above the Line concept becomes particularly useful.
To really grow, we need to pay attention to our mindset when using these strengths. Are we operating from a place of love, or are we slipping into fear?
My Strengths: Below the Line vs. Above the Line
When I'm below the line—acting out of fear—my strengths can show up in less helpful ways. Intellection® turns into overthinking, and I get stuck ruminating without finding answers. Input® makes me gather information obsessively, but I don’t use it. Adaptability® means I avoid decisions because I’m scared of getting it wrong. Connectedness® pushes me to dodge conflict just to keep the peace. Learner® keeps me endlessly researching because I'm afraid I don’t know enough to take action.
But when I'm above the line—operating from love—my strengths shine. Intellection® creates meaningful insights for others. Input® turns me into a resource for those around me. Adaptability® keeps me calm and flexible through change. Connectedness® builds a sense of belonging. Learner® drives growth and helps me embrace challenges with others.
These shifts in how my strengths show up remind me that self-awareness is key. When I notice myself slipping below the line, I can consciously aim my strengths from a place of love and connection. This is what allows me to use my natural talents in ways that uplift not only myself but also those around me. By integrating CliftonStrengths® with the Above the Line concept, I can make sure my talents are aimed at positive growth, regardless of the situation.
Self-Awareness and Intentionality
A key theme that ties CliftonStrengths® and Above the Line together is self-awareness. Naming and claiming our talents helps us understand our strengths more deeply. Recognizing whether we're above or below the line allows us to intentionally aim our strengths. Are we on autopilot, reacting out of fear, or are we choosing to use our strengths in ways that help us grow and support others? Self-awareness helps us recognize when we’re slipping below the line so we can make an intentional shift to operate above the line instead.
Think of CliftonStrengths® as the detailed map that shows you where your strengths lie, and Above the Line as the compass that keeps you on track moment-to-moment. By integrating these tools, we gain both a deep understanding of ourselves and the clarity to adjust our behavior in real time. This combination helps us not only understand our strengths but also ensures we're using them in ways that uplift and support growth.
Practical Tips for Growth
Think about a time when you felt stuck—were you perhaps operating below the line without realizing it? How might your talents look different if you approached them with love instead of fear? Next time you find yourself overthinking or avoiding a decision, pause and ask yourself: Am I below the line right now? How can I use my talents in a way that helps me and those around me grow? Just this small reflection can be the first step to shifting back above the line.
Real-Life Application
Imagine an agent named Sarah who was struggling with indecision (Adaptability® below the line) and avoiding conflict (Connectedness® below the line). By naming, claiming, and aiming her talents, she realized she could use Adaptability® to navigate client concerns calmly and Connectedness® to foster genuine conversations, even in challenging situations. With this shift, Sarah started operating above the line, leading to better outcomes for both herself and her clients.
The Power of Choice
At the end of the day, it's all about the choices we make. Once we've named, claimed, and aimed our talents, we get to decide how to use them to make a positive impact. We can choose to operate from a place of love, growth, and connection rather than fear and self-protection. It’s these choices that define whether we are leading a fulfilling, purpose-driven life or simply going through the motions.
By integrating CliftonStrengths® with the concept of Above the Line, we create a more complete approach to personal development—one that not only identifies what makes us strong but also encourages us to use those strengths in ways that uplift ourselves and others.
Conclusion
The alignment of these two frameworks—CliftonStrengths® and Above the Line—is about more than just personal success. It’s about striving to be the best version of ourselves, driven by love, growth, and a commitment to authentic living. By choosing to stay above the line and intentionally using our strengths, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
Next time you find yourself overthinking or avoiding a decision, pause and ask yourself: Am I below the line right now? How can I use my talents in a way that helps me and those around me grow? Just this small reflection can be the first step to shifting back above the line. Take a moment to reflect: How can you use your strengths today to stay above the line and contribute to the growth of others?
If you're interested in learning more, you can purchase Above the Line by Stephen Klemich and Mara Klemich, PhD, on Amazon here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.