Frequently Asked Questions

About the Deck

1. How is the CS Strengths Deck different from other card decks on the market?

The CS Strengths Deck is the only licensed card deck designed specifically for use with Gallup’s CliftonStrengths® framework. While other decks may explore broad personal growth themes, this one is tailored to help you explore how your talents show up in real-life situations and how to use them more intentionally. It’s tactile, visual, and intuitive - ideal for reflection, coaching, and group work. 

2. What deck should I get?

If you’re using the deck on yourself or gifting it to someone for personal exploration, go for the Solo Edition.

If you're a coach, facilitator, or planning to use the deck in 1:1 or group sessions, the Coach Edition is for you.

3. What’s the difference between the Solo Edition and the Coach Edition?

Both editions include the same full set of Talent, Prompt, and Domain Tiles.

The Solo Edition also includes a Getting Started booklet, Solo Exercise Tiles, sticky Hex-notes, and bonus tiles to help you track your top strengths. It’s a complete toolkit for self-guided reflection.

The Coach Edition is streamlined for flexibility, perfect for professionals who want to integrate the deck into different coaching or group contexts.

4. What’s included in each edition?

  • Coach Edition:
  • 34 Talent Tiles
  • 18 Prompt Tiles (Situation & Identity)
  • Domain Tiles
  • Solo and Coach Online Resource access

  • Solo Edition:
  • Everything in the Coach Edition, plus:
  • Exercise Tiles
  • Getting Started booklet
  • Bonus strength tracker tiles
  • Pad of sticky Hex-notes
  • Solo Online Resource access

5. Is there a digital version of the CS Strengths Deck?

Not just yet, but we’re planning to do one soon! The digital version will support remote coaching sessions, virtual workshops, and flexible self-reflection from anywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear when it’s ready.

6. Will the CS Strengths Deck be translated into other languages?

Not in the short-term but we will introduce support for additional languages if there is sufficient demand.

7. Is the deck accessible for people with visual impairments or neurodiverse users?

The physical tiles are flat and text-based, so they’re not accessible to users who can’t read standard print. However, we’ve chosen high-contrast colors and clear fonts to support readability, and the domain color-coding can help some users with visual processing or cognitive differences.

We’re exploring accessibility features for the upcoming digital version, including compatibility with screen readers and customizable fonts or contrast settings. If you have specific accessibility needs, we’d love to hear from you so we can build with those in mind.

8. What’s on each Talent Tile?

Each Talent Tile includes the name of a CliftonStrengths® talent theme, a short, clear description of how that talent tends to show up in action, color-coded to indicate which Domain it’s from. On the full color side the text tells you how this Talent shows up as a “Strength”, and on the reverse side you’ll find a “Stumble” version, describing how the same talent might get in its own way when overused or misapplied.

9. What are the Stumble sides of the Talent Tiles for?

The Stumble side is designed to spark honest reflection. It’s not about weakness, it’s about awareness. Seeing both sides of a talent helps you recognize when it’s working well and when it might need recalibrating. This makes the tiles especially useful in coaching, journaling, and self-development.

10. What does the CS’ stand for?

The CS stands for CliftonStrengths®, which is the assessment the deck was originally designed to work with.

Using the Deck

1. Do I have to take the CliftonStrengths® assessment to use the deck?

The deck is based on CliftonStrengths® themes, but you don’t need to take the assessment to use it. Many people use the deck as a stand-alone tool for personal reflection, coaching conversations, or group activities.

2. Can I use the deck if I follow a different strengths model (like VIA or self-defined strengths)?

Yes, with a bit of adaptation. The CS Strengths Deck is built around the 34 CliftonStrengths® themes, and each Talent Tile includes a clear explanation to help users understand what that theme looks like in action.

Even if you haven’t taken the CliftonStrengths assessment (or if you use a different strengths model) you can still use the deck as a reflective tool. Many people explore the tiles intuitively and see which themes resonate, similar to how someone without a report might engage with them.

3. Can I create my own exercises using the deck?

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it! Many coaches and users create custom spreads, journaling prompts, team-building games, or workshop layouts using the tiles. The deck is designed to be creative and flexible.

4. How do I introduce the deck in a workshop setting?

Start with a few simple exercises from the online resource library. Encourage participants to flip the tiles to explore both the Strength and Stumble sides. Even a short reflective activity can spark great conversation and insight.

5. Can I use the deck with young people or students?

Yes, absolutely. While the language and themes are designed for adults, educators and youth coaches use the deck successfully with teens and young adults. You can adapt the activities or focus on the Talent descriptions and prompts that feel makes most sense for your group.

6. Can I use the deck in corporate or organizational settings?

Definitely. The deck works well in leadership development, team-building, onboarding, and workplace coaching sessions. It’s flexible enough to support everything from light, team check-ins to deeper culture-shaping conversations.

7. Do I need any training to use the deck effectively as a coach?

No formal training is required. If you’re already familiar with strengths-based coaching, you’ll find the deck intuitive and easy to integrate into your sessions. And if you’re newer to it, our online templates and walkthroughs will help you get started with confidence.

If you'd like more tailored support, you can also book a 1:1 session with us to explore how to begin, or deepen, your use of the deck in your specific coaching, team, or group context.

Exercises & Resources

1. Are the exercise templates mentioned available online?

Yes. Every deck comes with access to our online resource library. You’ll find downloadable guides, templates, and video walkthroughs to help you use the deck in both solo and group settings.

2. The Solo Edition includes exercise tiles, what about the Coach Edition?

The Coach Edition doesn’t include physical exercise tiles, but all the same activities are available online as downloadable PDFs. That way, you can print or adapt them however works best for your clients or group.

3. What’s the difference between using the deck with a “team” and a “group”?

We define a team as people who work together regularly toward shared goals. A group might be individuals brought together for a one-time session or workshop. The dynamics are different, so we offer facilitation tips for each in our online resources.

Workshop & Group Use

1. If I use this with a team, does each person need a deck?

Not always. Many teams start with one deck per 4–5 people, which supports shared discussion and group activities. This setup works especially well when the focus is on team dynamics or collective insights.

If you want participants to do individual work, like identifying their own strengths or reflecting more deeply, then one deck per person is ideal. Many facilitators adjust based on the session's purpose and scale up over time.

2. In general, would you recommend everyone in the workshop have one deck, or can people share a deck too?

It depends on the kind of session you're running. For rich, personal reflection and coaching-style work, one deck per person gives the most flexibility and depth.

For collaborative sessions or short workshops, sharing one deck per table can still be effective, especially when exploring team themes or collective challenges.

3. Can I buy decks in bulk for a workshop or team program?

Yes! We offer bulk pricing and shipping options for coaches, teams, leadership programs, and organizations. Just get in touch and we’ll help you plan the best option for your event.

Purchasing & Logistics

1. How fast is shipping?

We usually dispatch within one working day for UK, US, and other non-EU orders, often the same day!

European orders take a little longer due to customs processes, but we offer both fast and budget-friendly options depending on your needs.

2. Can I get extra Hex-notes or a Getting Started booklet?

Yes. Hex-notes are available as a separate item in the shop and ship quickly. If you need another Getting Started booklet, you can download a free PDF version from the online resource library.

3. What if my deck arrives damaged or incomplete?

No problem, we’ll fix it. Just contact us and we’ll replace or resend anything that’s missing or damaged. We want you to have the best possible experience.

4. Do you offer gift options?

Yes! The Solo Edition is a great gift for anyone starting their strengths journey. If you’re ordering for someone else you can add a note at checkout and let us know if you’d like us to add a message so they know who it’s from.

Community & Support

1. Is there a community space for coaches or users to share ideas?

Not yet, but we’re working on it! We’re exploring ways to create an online community space where coaches and users can share tips, creative exercises, and experiences. Got ideas? We’d love to hear what you’d find helpful.

2. Can I book a 1:1 session to help me get started or go deeper with the deck?

Absolutely. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to develop new ways of using the deck in your specific context, we offer 1:1 support sessions. It’s a great way to explore ideas, plan workshops, or adapt the deck for your goals. Just get in touch to arrange a time.

3. Are there any branding or copyright limitations when using the decks in paid coaching sessions?

Coaches are welcome to use the CS Strengths Deck in paid sessions, both group and individual. We just ask that you:

  • Keep the branding intact
  • Credit the CS Strengths Deck clearly in any promotional materials
  • Avoid reproducing, altering, or redistributing the content
  • If referencing CliftonStrengths® or Gallup®, please follow their official brand use guidelines.

4. Can I sell the deck in my shop or offer it as part of my coaching program?

Yes. We’re happy to discuss it! We already have a distributor in the US and are open to exploring other retail or coaching partnerships. If you’d like to include the deck in your coaching packages, sell it alongside your services, or stock it in your shop, just get in touch and we’ll work out what’s possible.

5. Can I suggest an idea or request a feature?

We’d love that. Whether it’s an idea for a new exercise, a request for a different language, or a suggestion to improve accessibility, we’re always looking to grow the project in meaningful ways. Just drop us a message - we’re listening.