Strengths Finder 2.0

Author Tom Rath

Review by Jean Caton, Business Life Coach, Speaker, Marketing Strategist

Strengths Finder 2.0 is a new and upgraded version of the strengths finder tool in Now, Discover Your Strengths, the bestseller by Marcus Buckingham, based on the Gallup research on strengths. The premise of the book, readable in one sitting, and affordable (less than $12.00), is that the most successful, satisfied, and engaged workers are doing jobs aligned with their strengths. The author describes strengths not as what we can do but what we have both talent and passion for doing. A more positive and productive workforce is the result when a person’s job is aligned with their strengths. That is, what we love to do, we do best.

Rath poses the question, “Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?” He answers, “Chances are you don’t.” Unfortunately, for most of the workforce, jobs are not matched with strengths. The result is a workforce who dreads going to work, is miserable, feels stuck, uncreative, and unfulfilled, and is therefore, less productive. The author points out that what managers and supervisors typically do instead is to ignore strengths completely or focus on developing and helping employees overcome weaknesses. Rath explains why you will excel by using your strengths and not by developing and improving weaknesses.

Strengths Finder 2.0 provides a relatively brief case for discovering and using strengths. The real insight is found by taking the brief (30 minute) online assessment that is offered by using the code found in the book (no additional fee). After taking the assessment, you will get a personalized report. Once you know your strengths, you can refer back to the book for action strategies for using your strengths and working with others with any of the 34 identified strengths. The format of the book is a short chapter describing each strength followed by ideas for action if you possess the strength and suggestions for working with others on your team who have this strength.

Relevant Application: This book is a good tool for individuals, business team leaders/managers, as well as volunteer teams, and committees. Completing the assessment helps managers assign the right person to the right job. It removes the subjectivity inherent in a personal appraisal of your own strengths or the strengths of your staff. A volunteer group can benefit from discovering their strengths by assigning the right volunteer to the right committee.

As with any assessment, the greatest power is derived from implementation of the learning. For teams and volunteer groups this implementation may be directed by the group leader or with the use of an independent, impartial facilitator.

Recognizing strengths is an important step toward a satisfied, productive, and engaged, workforce. A more comprehensive assessment may be required for those looking for greater insights and direction for a new career, changing jobs, or enhancing personal workplace effectiveness.

Anyone who wants more fulfillment and success in their career can benefit from reading this book and taking the online assessment. It is a must have for team leaders providing an excellent and affordable assessment tool for staff development.

Final Note: In case you are curious about the strengths of the author of this article, they are Relator, Strategic, Activator, Responsibility, and Intellection.Happily, I can say they are aligned with my work as a coach and speaker and hence my passion and engagement for my work. Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?

“Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?”Benjamin Franklin.

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Jean Caton is a speaker, coach, and marketing strategist. She works with businesswomen in corporate America, Healthcare, and entrepreneurs to challenge and support them to attain their professional and personal goals and live a life full of achievement, self-acceptance, and serenity. Jean can be reached at: MyCoachJean@JeanCaton.com