Strengths Finder 2.0

I am a fan of inspirational books. I use them both in my personal and professional lives. It has been my experience that by always reading something positive and motivational, it keeps me from sweating the small stuff and helps me stay focused on the important stuff.

Last year I was introduced to Clifton StrengthFinder by the Gallup Organization and Tom Rath. The concept is that people have 34 Signature Themes-strengths and weaknesses. To find your top 5 strengths you take a short online test. The power behind this knowledge is rather than focusing on your weaknesses, you can now focus on your strengths. Focusing on building your stregnths generates positivity, success and understanding.

The cost of the book ranges from $13-$23. It comes with a code inside that allows you access to the online test. The book also describes the 34 signature themes and ways to work on your strengths.

Most of my team at Brown and DeLine have taken the test and know their top 5 strengths. This knowledge has been a very useful tool.

It has guided us in:

• connecting the right teams
• sending the right people to the right classes
• clarity as to why people do the things they do
• basic understanding of people
• job placement
• task delegation

This list could go on. The bottom line is that it has been so enlightening and refreshing to be able to accept people for who they are and to focus on their strengths. I highly recommend this book!

My Top Five Strengths are

1. Activator
2. Achiever
3. Command
4. Focus
5. Competition

People who are activators move at a fast pace and get things done. They have a lot of stamina-which explains why I happen to be writing this at 4am!

Make it a great day!