HIGH5 and VIA Strengths are both assessments designed to identify and understand an individual's strengths, but they have differences in their approach and focus.
One key difference is in the methodology and framework used to identify strengths. HIGH5 assesses an individual's top five strengths out of a list of 20 strengths, where strengths are defined as something a person is naturally good at, energized by and finds meaning in. These strengths encompass a wide range of attributes that belong to 4 distinguished strengths families - thinking, doing, feeling, and motivating. In contrast, VIA Strengths, developed by the VIA Institute on Character, identifies character strengths from a list of 24 strengths that are related to character and human virtues like kindness, fairness, and honesty.
Another difference lies in the intended application of the assessments. HIGH5 is often used in various contexts, including work, personal development, team building, education, and coaching, with a focus on leveraging strengths for growth and success. On the other hand, VIA Strengths is primarily focused on promoting well-being and flourishing by helping individuals understand and utilize their character strengths in everyday life.
Additionally, HIGH5 provides users with a personalized strengths report that highlights their top strengths and offers insights into how to apply them effectively.
In summary, while both assessments aim to uncover and nurture strengths, HIGH5 focuses on a broader range of strengths and offers practical insights for their application, while VIA Strengths emphasizes universal character strengths and their role in promoting well-being.