Strengths Finder 2.0 in Ask Tom Rath

Sep 30, 2013 Just Another Reader added it

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I couldn’t agree more with Tom Rath when he said in the first part of the book that the world is obsessed on flaws and imperfections and is doing its best to improve those, putting in time, effort, and money for correction—and mostly failed. I am one of the majorities who strive for the elusive perfection—a battle I am certain I’m not going to win, yet still participated on because the prize is too grand to ignore for the satisfaction of the natural vanity embedded in my humanness.

I was also one I couldn’t agree more with Tom Rath when he said in the first part of the book that the world is obsessed on flaws and imperfections and is doing its best to improve those, putting in time, effort, and money for correction—and mostly failed. I am one of the majorities who strive for the elusive perfection—a battle I am certain I’m not going to win, yet still participated on because the prize is too grand to ignore for the satisfaction of the natural vanity embedded in my humanness.

I was also one of those kids who grew up hearing—and believing—that we can be whatever we want to be if we just put our hearts into it. Once a person grew up believing in something, it’s no surprise it’s hard to remove it, or just even shake it, from the core of his persona.

Tom Rath, a psychologist that he is, exactly knows how to approach on introducing Gallup’s discovery without creating a lot of protests and denial from the firm believers of “I can be whatever I want to be.” He’s subtle, yet effective. He gives facts and sample scenarios, let people ponder, and while people are still pondering and slowly chewing the idea, Mr. Rath makes the formal introduction. He knows people are naturally vain and want to know who they really are—in the hopes that they have something astounding in them that they yet have to discover. This is where the test comes in. Once you know your result, it’s just a matter of time that you’ll read the explanation of your five strong strengths, unconsciously embracing Gallup’s idea.

This book is worth the time. Knowing more about one’s self may explain things one tries hard to understand. This book helps me dig deeper into the very reason why I did certain things in the past, made decisions I was aware not ideal for what my situation then, shut out my nagging thoughts, and moved a step forward to a direction far from where I intended to be, though I know it would break my heart and weaken my spirit.

This book helps me recover my old, happy self. Taking one step at a time, I learned to stir back to the direction where I could excel more and be confident with my abilities again. I learned to let go of dreams that would probably cost me my entire life achieving, and instead embrace what I am now and hone what is in it. I am never happier. I am always grateful I stumbled upon this book. This is recommended to all readers who want to know more of themselves and are never afraid to confront the reality in the face and do something about it. ...more

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Aug 18, 2013 Lisa Ferguson rated it it was amazing

This assessment tool and the gifts that it holds is a MUST. I use results to collaborate with people and companies who complement me rather than are just like me.

For women especially, knowing your strengths gives you permission to embrace them and then go out into the world and collaborate and celebrate them, all without feeling narcissistic. More like empowered.

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