Some days ago I decided to re-read this book, StrengthFinder 2.0. I’m a fan of Tom Rath so it wasn’t a tough decision. And this subject is on my mind for a variety of reasons. Let me explain.
There are always circumstances in my life where I wonder if I’m doing those things that most suit me. I guess we all have that curiosity from time to time. I don’t fret about it, but I want to make sure there’s not something I’m missing. I know that it’s highly likely because I’m sure my self-awareness could use as much work as the next guy.
Additionally, there are some very important people in my life who seem to be struggling with getting their life on track. They are talented, but have varying challenges. Some lack drive or ambition because they just don’t know what they want to do with their career. Others have ambitions that don’t seem to be in good alignment with their talents. I want to help them – perhaps become a better mentor to them. That requires some more learning on my part. So I read.
In 1995 I read this book by Donald Clifton and Paula Nelson, Soar With Your Strengths. Clifton’s work was the impetus for Tom Rath’s book. This wasn’t my first foray into the world of considering how people should go with their strong suit rather than concentrating on overcoming their weaknesses. It was, however, one of the first times I had read anything so focused on that notion. My interest in the subject has always stemmed from my own needs and challenges, but these ideas have entered into my coaching, parenting and managing, too.
Donald O. Clifton. Tom Rath. Marcus Buckingham. Good books are written by all of them. Books about finding your strengths, using them to the fullest and helping others do the same. I’d suggest you read as many of them as you can. Take notes. Think about the ideas and concepts. Put them to use.
StrengthFinder 2.0 is a book, or system, that is sure to provoke your thoughts. The book cites a 23-year study of 1000 children in New Zealand. The personality observed when these children were 3 showed remarkable similarity to the personality traits they exhibited at 26. This means that it may be a fact that personality is formed much earlier than we like to think. That personality tends not to change over time. All the more reason to find out what you might be best suited to do.
“You can be anything you want to be, if you just try hard enough.”
That’s a lie. Uninformed people say it as encouragement, but it likely causes delusion. It doesn’t work because it’s untrue.
You can be a better you, and that really is the point of the book and the program. We can all do better. We can all be better. Behaviors and beliefs can be changed. Skills can be learned. But some things don’t seem to change. StrengthFinder 2.0 examines personality traits that are less likely to change. That makes it a powerful tool capable of helping each of us become a better person.
The book provides this vivid illustration.
Mark Twain once described a man who died and met Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. Knowing that Saint Peter was very wise, the man asked a question that he had wondered about throughout his life.
He said, “Saint Peter, I have been interested in military history for many years. Who was the greatest general of all time?”
Saint Peter quickly responded, “Oh that’s a simple question. It’s that man right over there.”
“You must be mistaken,” responded the man, now very perplexed. “I knew that man on earth, and he was just a common laborer.”
“That’s right my friend,” assured Saint Peter. “He would have been the greatest general of all time, if he had been a general.”
