Strengths Finder 2.0

A very useful self assessment tool I completed in the last two months is Strengths Finder 2.0.  It is the second generation tool which Gallup describes as ” rooted in more than 40 years of research”.

Use of the tool requires the purchase of the book which provides you with an access code which you use to complete an on-line assessment.  The process was easy and the output was quite thought provoking and valuable to me.  Like many others I’ve found it easy to focus on my weaknesses.  The authors of Strengths Finder argue that its a far better investment to develop your strengths than to fix your weaknesses.

Here are the top 5 themes from my assessment with the short description provided by Gallup.

Ideation: People who are especially talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.

Strategic: People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed.  Face with any given scenario, they can quickly spot relevant patterns and issues.

Futuristic: People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be.  They inspire others with their visions of the future.

Achiever: People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard.  They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.

Relator: People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others.  They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.