What’s Clifton Strengths?

Helping Others Do What They Do Best.
Strengths coaching is about focusing on what others do well instead of fixating on their weaknesses. Strengths coaches use their understanding of their talents to guide others, and they find great pleasure in helping others discover and capitalize on what they do best.

Strengths coaches know that:

  • People who focus on using their strengths are three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life.

  • Those who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged on the job.

  • Teams that focus on their strengths are 12.5% more productive.

 

My Expertise:

 Strengths Coaching for Higher-Ed Foundations & Advancement Teams

You’re raising money, managing donors, coordinating committees, supporting alumni, and navigating campus politics — all while trying to keep your staff from burning out.

I’ve lived that world. And I’m here to help you strengthen the team behind the mission.

As a Gallup Global Strengths Coach with 30 years in Student Affairs, Advancement, and Foundation leadership, I specialize in helping advancement teams work more effectively, communicate more clearly, and build a strengths-powered culture that boosts performance and reduces drama.

If your team needs better collaboration, better committees, better communication, or a better culture — you’re in the right place.

 

CliftonStrengths Coaching for Higher-Ed Advancement Teams

Advancement work is relational, complex, and often invisible. Teams are expected to deliver results while managing donor expectations, committee dynamics, scholarship cycles, and cross-campus collaboration — all at once.

Burnout doesn’t happen because Advancement professionals lack commitment or skill. It happens when strengths are stretched too far, roles are unclear, and communication breaks down under pressure.

CliftonStrengths coaching helps Advancement teams understand how they naturally think, communicate, and contribute — so they can work more effectively without burning out.

Why Strengths-Based Coaching Works in Advancement

Strengths-based teams don’t try to “fix” people.
They learn how to use what already works — more intentionally.

Organizations that implement CliftonStrengths experience:

  • Clearer communication

  • Reduced burnout and frustration

  • Stronger collaboration

  • Better alignment of people and responsibilities

  • Healthier, more sustainable team cultures

For Advancement teams, this leads to stronger donor relationships, more effective committees, and staff who show up with confidence instead of constant stress.

Meet Kris McPeak

Kris McPeak is a Gallup Global Strengths Coach specializing in Higher-Education Advancement, Foundations, and Alumni Engagement.

With more than 30 years in Higher Education, Kris brings an insider’s understanding of campus culture, institutional politics, and the realities of people-centered work. Her background includes Student Affairs, Leadership Development, Alumni Relations, and Foundation operations.

Kris partners with leaders and teams who want:

  • Clearer communication

  • Reduced burnout

  • Stronger alignment

  • Healthier team dynamics

Her approach is practical, grounded, and designed for real-world Advancement environments.

Coaching & Facilitation Services

Strengths-Powered Foundation Staff

A group coaching program designed to strengthen communication, clarify roles, and reduce burnout.

Includes:

  • CliftonStrengths assessments

  • Team strengths mapping

  • Leadership coaching for ED/VP

  • Strengths-based communication strategies

Ideal for campaign preparation, department realignment, culture resets, or post-turnover rebuilding.

Strengths for Governance Excellence

A strengths-based approach to board and committee effectiveness.

Includes:

  • Governance-focused strengths insights

  • Committee alignment and role clarity

  • Bias-reduction frameworks

  • Chair and leadership coaching

Well-suited for board retreats, committee restructuring, and process improvement.

Executive Strengths Coaching for Advancement Leaders

One-on-one coaching for leaders navigating complex, high-pressure roles.

Includes:

  • Individual CliftonStrengths deep-dive

  • Leadership style analysis

  • Communication and delegation strategies

  • Ongoing executive coaching support

Designed for new leaders, senior Advancement professionals, and executives seeking greater clarity and confidence.