Your Maximizer Talent: Making What’s Good Excellent
"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." — Vince Lombardi
Some people don’t just aim for good—they’re wired for great.
They’re the ones who can spot what’s good and immediately see how to take it to the next level. They’re energized by refinement, by growth, by the pursuit of excellence. And when others settle for "good enough," they’re still asking, “How can this be even better?”
That’s the quiet power of the “Maximizer” talent theme.
People with high “Maximizer,” part of the Influencing Domain, are natural polishers and strength-spotters. They instinctively notice what’s working and know how to invest energy where it will yield the highest return. Rather than spread themselves thin fixing weaknesses, they channel their efforts into honing greatness—making the best even better.
“Maximizer” doesn’t show up in my Top 10. It’s not how I’m naturally wired.
Instead, the dominant talents that shape how I approach growth and refinement are “Deliberative,” “Learner,” and “Developer.” When I polish something, it’s less about sorting for the very best before I begin, and more about methodically strengthening what’s there. My “Deliberative” side strives for precision—making sure what I deliver is thoughtfully crafted, correct, and free of errors. My “Learner” and “Developer” talents fuel a constant pursuit of growth, both for myself and others. I’m energized by helping things and people get better through new knowledge and small gains—but I don’t need something to already be excellent before I find it worth developing.
That said, I have deep respect for those with high “Maximizer.” They bring an elevating energy that sharpens focus, raises standards, and pulls people and projects upward. They remind me that sometimes the greatest impact comes not from starting at the bottom—but from making what’s already good truly excellent.
When people with this talent high offer feedback, it’s almost always worth listening to—because it’s aimed at lifting, not criticizing.
Maximizer in Action
Maximizer vs. Learner: Both are energized by growth. “Learner,” from the Strategic Thinking Domain, views growth as gaining new knowledge and expanding experience. “Maximizer” views growth as refining and elevating what’s already strong to achieve excellence.
Maximizer vs. Developer: Both believe in potential. “Developer,” from the Relationship Building Domain, finds joy in nurturing the earliest signs of potential—even before there’s achievement—and celebrates each small step along the way. “Maximizer” focuses on potential that is already performing at a high level and pushes it toward even greater excellence and impact.
Leverage Your Maximizer Talent
Lead with Maximizer
Raise the bar. Your natural desire for excellence lifts the standards for everyone around you.
Spot and amplify strengths. You help individuals and teams play to what they do best, unlocking higher performance.
Prioritize wisely. You invest energy where it will have the most meaningful impact—not where it will only yield marginal gains.
Inspire continuous improvement. You model a commitment to mastery without burnout, showing that better is always possible.
Work with Maximizer
Protect your energy. Not every project needs your full refinement. Choose where to aim your perfectionism wisely.
Celebrate progress. Excellence is a journey. Pause to appreciate milestones, not just the ultimate ideal.
Partner with doers. You bring the vision of what "better" could look like. Pair with people who love action to help make it happen.
Manage your own high standards. Not everything—or everyone—needs to be polished to perfection. Know when "good enough" is actually enough.
Live with Maximizer
Value your gift for elevation. You don’t just help things grow—you help them shine.
Focus on impact over optics. Excellence isn’t about appearances; it’s about meaningful improvement.
Trust your intuition. You often sense hidden potential before others do. Trust that gift—and use it to lift, not to push.
Coach Someone with Maximizer
Ask where they naturally see potential. They often instinctively know where to focus—but may need help articulating it.
Help them define "excellent enough." Without healthy guardrails, the drive for excellence can become exhausting.
Support their strengths-spotting. Encourage them to lean into developing others based on what’s already working well—not just fixing what's wrong.
Discover the Strength of Your Maximizer Talent
Do you feel most alive when you’re helping something—or someone—move from good to great? Do you instinctively notice hidden potential and imagine what’s possible? You might lead with “Maximizer”—a talent that transforms teams, organizations, and outcomes through a relentless commitment to excellence.
The CliftonStrengths® assessment can help you uncover and embrace your natural approach to growth—whether it’s through refinement, mastery, or visionary development.
👉 Discover Your Top 5 Talents
👉 Unlock All 34 of Your Talents
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