Donald O. Clifton

Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D., was an American professor, author, and consultant who specialized in the field of psychology and business. He was a professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and known internationally for his research on the assessment of strengths. He is widely credited with co-developing the Clifton StrengthsFinder (later known as CliftonStrengths) assessment program, which is now the most popular and widely used assessment-based development tool in the world.

Clifton began his academic studies at Purdue University, where he earned a B.A. in educational psychology and an M.A. in psychology in 1949. He then began teaching at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he eventually earned his Ph.D. in psychology. As a professor at UNL, Clifton focused his research studies on how to understand the potential and effectiveness of individual workers and leaders.

Throughout his career, Clifton worked to identify and quantify the abilities and values that drive a person’s life. He conducted extensive research into why some people succeed in the workplace, while others fail. His interest laid in the factors that led to success, rather than the causes of failure. He was particularly focused on understanding the qualities that distinguish exceptional performers from the merely ordinary.

In 1979, Clifton and his colleagues at UNL developed a new assessment tool, called the Clifton StrengthsFinder. It was the first of its kind to identify the “uniqueness” in an individual's personality, or what Clifton called their ‘signature strengths.’ The strengths in the assessment would later become known as talents. At the time, Clifton was one of the first to recognize the power of “talent-based” approaches to development.

Clifton’s groundbreaking notion of “talent orientation” revolutionized the field of career and leadership development. Clifton argued that understanding the unique talents of each individual, as well as their values and aspirations, allows organizations to create better and more productive work environments. He also emphasized that leveraging strengths proactively was more effective than simply managing weaknesses.

Clifton's research and achievements were officially recognized in 2002, when he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association. In addition, he also received numerous awards for his work in organizational and leadership development, including the prestigious Gallup Metrics Award for Innovation in Consulting.

Donald O. Clifton’s work changed the way individuals and organizations approach career and leadership development. He was an innovative thinker who recognized the potential of individual strengths to increase success in the workplace. His research and ideas have had a major impact on the way we think about work today, and his legacy will remain embedded in the field of development.