Recommended by my new boss to read. The whole idea is that we spend too much time focusing on strengthening out weaknesses and not enough time continuing to grow in our strengths.

The first 30 pages are an introduction that leads you to taking an online evaluation that then tells you what your top 5 strengths are.

It was an awesome book to read, especially when trying to figure out a new career or if you're unhappy in your current situation because it helps your focus on what you're really good at, and then how to continue to strengthen those areas. ( )

"Do you have the opportunity to do your best everyday?" This is the challenge posed to everyone picking up this book.

Answer: Chances are, you don't. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.

Main lesson: "You cannot be anything you want to be--but you can be a lot more of who you already are."

Having read through "Strengths Finder 2.0"I have a better understanding of myself. Though I thought the results of the test were interesting and accurate, I was disappointed by the reference pages that told about each strength. They didn't offer me much insight, it felt a bit generic. What was there seemed valid, but only scratched the surface and offered little direction to further personal development. I guess you do need to pay the $550 for the rest of your 34 themes. But still, I do like knowing what my strengths are and fully intend to carry out the Action Plan that was outlined to me after taking the online test.

Additionally, I should warn you that buyers need to be aware that in order to take the test, you must have a code to use at the publisher's website. Each book has only one code, which means each person who wants to take the test must purchase their own copy of the book. The codes that come with used or borrowed books are probably not valid any more.

The book is also linked to a new version of their website that contains improved interpretation resources and personalized reports. The book also includes small stickers for each of the 34 talent themes so you can stick your "Top 5" on its glossy red and white cover for a convenient reminder.

Book Details:

Title StrengthsFinder 2.0
Author Tom Rath
Reviewed By Purplycookie ( )

Be warned that this is just a gimmick to get you to pay $19.99 for a twenty-minute online quiz, which may tell you things you already know about yourself. You can only get the code by purchasing the book, so library copies are essentially worthless. And you can only use the code once, which means it can't be shared. This pricing model makes a lot of sense, but I'm offended by the need to make it a physical book, and the authors' choice not to make codes available for purchase online independently... I am sad for the trees that had to die just because the authors wanted a shot at the bestsellers' lists. ( )

This book was dead on in pegging my strengths. The only problem is that our office didn't do anything to utilize the results after they had us take the test.As for me... Top 5 Strengths: Belief, Empathy, Responsibility, Woo, Communication ( )

a group or us at work took the "test" and "read" the book ... it was very interesting to see our various strengths and how we work together ... either well or why we have conflicts ... we also had a "coach" come in & talk with us and give us additional insight ... we plan to continue using this idea of working with our strengths vs. trying to work on our weaknesses.
I have already given the book as gifts to my daughter (who LOVED it!) and to my guy. And I just bought 7 additional copies to give as Christmas gifts. ( )

An moderately sized personality quiz online yields some wonderfully fruitful observations and advice about five "themes" in your personality, personal drives, and work goals.

If you're in need of some basic workplace inspiration, this is a fun time.

It's a workbook for understanding and working with your own strengths. For those really interested, it's a fine introduction but once completed, you'll only have your top 5 strengths to work with. Again, that is a start and does allow some insights into "how" you work and live but for a deeper and better understanding of the rest of your talents, it will cost you a lot more. Partnered with a strengths program at work -if you're lucky enough to have one- this is great. ( )

I have taken the Meyers Briggs test many times and feel that this evaluation provided more insight into my specific drivers and values than the MB test ever did. I plan on preparing a stategy to capitalize on my strengths and will probably give this book as a gift to quite a few people this holiday! ( )

This is a business centric book. As such, the strengths/talents within are focused on the business world. There are strengths beyond the business world, artistic creativity comes to mind, along with athletic prowess.

I agreed with four of my five assessed strengths. The one disasgreement resulted from me answering the questions the way I thought they should be answered, not with my best for myself answers.

Through reading each strength, I identified seven or eight lesser strengths. This effort shows application of my deliberative and intellection strengths.

Buy the book, take the assessment, read the book. Learn more about yourselfs with the caveat that each assessment is only one part of your whole. ( )

If you purchase this book, it's mainly for the code in the back of the book, which you can use to take an online test from the author. It's definitely worth the money, if you care about finding your strengths.

I'd go so far as to say it's life changing. ( )

Does a fair job of achieving its goal: to use an inventory of your strengths to reveal how you can use them best. Slightly different from the other self-help, self-inventory books and tests out there. Provides a key to allow you to access their online skills inventory. ( )

Outstanding. Small but powerful, especially as a support for the online assessment. Works great with high school juniors and up in gaining insights for directions in college. Buy it! ( )

My boss bought this book for me. We all took the 'test'. It was amazing how accurate the results felt. Did I gain new insight into myself? Not really. Did it sound more accurate then say astrology? Definitely. ( )

I gave this book one star only because I like it's premise - stop spending so much time focusing on your weaknesses and embrace and build your strengths. Personally, I believe this is an important point for both adults and children.

Beyond that point, this book is typical self-help drivel. It has essentially one chapter that you can read in 30 minutes or less. What you really buy the book for is the sealed code in the back pocket which allows you to take an online test which "determines your strengths". You go through umpteen million multiple choice questions and it spits out your "Top 5 Themes" and an "Action-Planning Guide". I say horseshit.

I hate to sound so negative about it but here are my two issues:

#1 - my five themes, I could have guessed. They just gave them fancy made-up names (Relator, Intellection, Strategic, Input, Learner). WTF?

#2 - Their "Theme Descriptions" do nothing more than regurgitate words from the questions you just took. I mean really, how hard is it to write a description of a "Learner"?

#3 - Their "Ideas for Action" - again, garbage. Two examples straight from my "Intellection Theme":
"Consider beginning or continuing your studies in philosophy, literature, or psychology. You
will always enjoy subjects that stimulate your thinking." and "You are at your best when you have the time to follow an intellectual trail and see where it
leads."

OK, Captain F'n Obvious, if I tested as having an Intellection Theme, don't you think I'm doing these things already?

I was sorely disappointed in this book although when I picked it up, I did get a faint whiff of suck. It's such a good premise too... ( )