Coaching a Software Development Leader Using CliftonStrengths

01 CLIENT

Wojciech Półtorak

02 POSITION

Senior Engineering Manager

03 INDUSTRY

Software Development and Artificial Intelligence

04 DURATION

2 sessions of 2 hours each

05 Scope of work

Self-awareness, leadership development, strategic use of talents

Context

Wojtek, a seasoned technical leader with almost 20 years of experience, entered the CliftonStrengths analysis already knowing his five dominant talents. Despite his extensive managerial experience, he sought deeper insight into his entire profile to better understand himself, strengthen his leadership and direct his further professional development.

Coaching process

During two individual sessions, we delved into Wojtek’s 12 strongest talents together. The first session focused on the five most important traits, which we analyzed in the context of leadership style, decision-making, and relationship building. The second session expanded this perspective to include five more talents and two additional, complementary ones. Each session was carefully prepared. I worked on handwritten notes with key information, tailored to Wojtek’s individual traits. During the meetings, I used practical examples and references to everyday professional situations to help translate theory into practice. Together, we worked through, among other things:

- How to simulate less developed talents by consciously using dominant ones
- How talents interact and reinforce each other (e.g. Positivity and Developer)
- How to recognize potential limitations of dominant talents and avoid common mistakes
- How to better match professional role and direction of development to natural predispositions

Another valuable element of the talks was the analysis of common talents – e.g. Input – which allowed for the exchange of experiences and a deeper understanding of some of the mechanisms of operation.

Results

After completing the coaching process, Wojtek gained:

- Greater self-awareness and intentionality in using your strengths
- Understanding the connections between your talents and how they impact your management style
- Tools to develop your weaker areas without having to force them
- Increased confidence and clarity about your next steps in your career.