Last year for my birthday I received the book Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath from a friend. Leave it to me to crack it open only 9 months later. Despite my procrastination, I am thoroughly enjoying this read. Unlike many books I have read, Strengths Finder is very interactive, and you feel like you are participating in the content. You start by reading the introduction which gives you the history of the study of strengths in which Tom Rath has been involved. The major question that seems to have began this study is, “At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best everyday.” After a survey that showed about 2/3 of over 10 million people worldwide either “strongly disagree” or “disagree” with this statement, the team of Gallup scientists decided that this needed to change.
Rath then prepares you for what you will do after you take an online assessment, which consists of over 150 questions. From 34 “Themes and Ideas for Actions,” you are assigned your top 5. Rath calls these “talents” not strengths, because he feels that you cultivate these talents into strengths. Here are my 5 top talents:
- Empathy
- Communication
- Strategic
- Woo
- Futuristic
After receiving this feedback, you return to the book to read the descriptions of each theme. Rath even gives you suggestions on how to make this talent a strength. For example, here is one idea for action in Communication: “You will always to do well in roles that require you to capture people’s attention. Think about a career in teaching, sales, marketing, ministry, or the media. Your Communication talents are likely to flourish in those areas.” There are also suggestions on how to work with others who have the same talent(s).
I haven’t gotten through reading about all of my talents yet, but this book has already inspired me to concentrate more on my strengths than on my weaknesses. Hopefully, after completing the book and trying out some of the ideas for actions, I will have a new outlook on work, school, and home. I’ll let you know!
Have you taken the assessment? What were your top 5?
-Brittany
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