StrengthsFinder 2.0
Tom Rath

Book Review

StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath - Buy Now From Amazon

Reviewed by Brooke Weishaupt

StrengthsFinder 2.0 is not your typical business book. It is part of a larger strengths discovery program created by Gallup, the organization famous for its research and polls. StrengthsFinder 2.0 is the updated version of Gallup’s original book, Now, Discover Your Strengths.

In the back of each book, there is a unique code that allows you to access the online test. Therefore, it is not a book you can borrow or buy used. The test takes about 20 minutes and is comprised of questions that have you choose to what degree the statement describes you. The test only allows you a few seconds per question, as the theory behind it says your first instinct is usually the correct one.

Once you are finished with the test, you are presented with your top five strengths, a description of each and a list of activities to help you take advantage of them. The book is basically all the descriptions and suggestions gathered in one spot; however, the book also includes suggestions to help you work with or understand people who have strengths other than yours.

My strengths are: Input, Intellection, Learner, Achiever and Futuristic. After reading the descriptions of each, I have to say I agree with the assessment. I enjoy not just the outcome, but the process of learning and discovering new information. I can also be quite the perfectionist and a stickler for details, which shows up in the Achiever strength. My big dreams and plans for the future are showcased in the Futuristic strength.

The premise of the book/test is that you should focus on enhancing your strengths (what comes naturally to you), rather than trying to improve your weaknesses. While this is a good idea in theory, you cannot entirely discount working on your weaknesses. For example, if one of your weaknesses is adhering to deadlines, you cannot just set it aside. There could be severe implications for this, including failing a class if you are in school or getting fired from your job if you are consistently late in completing work. To its credit, the book does suggest pairing with people with strengths other than yours, such as a person with the strength, “Focused,” if your strength is one in which you are prone to distractions. However, you cannot always count on others; sometimes that option is not available.

I would suggest a combination approach: for the major things in life (i.e. your career, your volunteer work, etc.), focus on areas in which your strengths can shine. For example, someone with the “Developer” strength would excel in a field such as coaching or teaching, where it allows them to help others reach their potential. That same person may not do such a good job or enjoy their work as much if they worked in a career where they were isolated most of the day with little interaction with others.

By incorporating your strengths into the major areas of your life, you will be a more fulfilled person. You can then work on getting past your weaknesses without having them consume your life and cause more stress.

I would encourage people to read this book and take the test. At the very least, it helps you validate who you are and what you do best. If you’re not sure what direction you should take, it can help to guide you and draw out the qualities you should invest in. For more information or to purchase the book, visit www.strengthsfinder.com.