I have a list of must-read book recommendations ready to give anyone who asks. On that list is a book that I give to every client and student. What could possibly be so important that everyone I work with must have it? A book focused on identifying strengths.
So often we are overcome with everything that we aren’t doing right and our weaknesses. While it’s important to be aware of our shortcomings and how we can improve, it’s even more important to recognize and understand what our strengths are!
We are able to accomplish so much more when we are confident. Being confident requires having confidence in ourselves. What better way to find that confidence than by understanding some of your greatest qualities? What if there was a way to identify those strengths in a way that could help you each day?
That’s what Tom Rath’s Strength Finder 2.0 does. It’s fascinating to do for yourself and for those you work around. Going through the exercise helps me understand what makes them tick and it’s a great tool for their self-awareness. Imagine the kind of leader you could be if you were able to better understand yourself and those on your team!
The book is based on the inventor of the Clifton StrenghtsFinder – Donald O. Clifton, who has been recognized as the Father of Strengths-Based Psychology by an American Psychological Association Presidential Commendation. Consider the purpose and reason for this area of study:
“…our studies indicate that people who do have the opportunity to focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and more than three times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life in general.”
Rath went on to state that research has shown having someone at work who regularly focuses on our strengths can make a dramatic difference.
That’s why every student and client of mine gets a copy. Not only do you need to know your strengths, but when you have the opportunity to lead others, it’s crucial to know and understand their strengths as well.
So, go on – get your copy. Find out if you’re an Achiever, Activator, Deliberative, Maximizer or any combination of 34 different themes that describe your strengths. Get your copy here.
And for more of my leadership perspective, check out my book, A Climb to the Top.