StrengthsFinder 2.0
Summary
StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath revolutionized the way people approach personal and professional development. Challenging conventional wisdom, Rath argues that people should stop worrying about their weaknesses and instead invest their time and energy in developing their natural strengths. Published in 2007, this groundbreaking self-help book builds on the original StrengthsFinder assessment introduced by Gallup, offering an improved online assessment tool and expanded strategies for leveraging individual strengths.
A national bestseller, StrengthsFinder 2.0 has helped millions of people discover their innate talents. Its impact extends beyond personal use, with many organizations adopting the StrengthsFinder approach to enhance employee engagement and productivity.
Overview
In StrengthsFinder 2.0, Tom Rath offers a guide to personal and professional development, based on the premise that people often focus too much on fixing their weaknesses instead of developing their innate strengths. At the book’s core is an online assessment that helps readers identify their top five talents from a list of 34 themes. These themes represent areas where individuals have the greatest potential for building strengths. The assessment, originally introduced by Gallup in 2001, has been improved and refined for this version.
After completing the assessment, readers are provided with personalized results that detail their top five natural talents. The book then offers hundreds of strategies for applying these strengths in various aspects of life and work. Throughout the book, Rath provides guidance on how to leverage these strengths for greater success and fulfillment. The accompanying website serves as an additional resource, offering more in-depth information and tools to help readers further develop their strengths.
Themes
• Focus on developing strengths rather than fixing weaknesses
• Importance of identifying individual talents
• Application of personal strengths in daily life
• Improved self-awareness and personal growth
• Strategies for leveraging individual talents
• Shift in perspective on personal and professional development
Setting
StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath is a self-help and personal development guide that can be applied in various contexts across different time periods and geographical locations. The book's principles are designed to be universally applicable in the modern workplace and personal life. Its concepts are particularly relevant in the contemporary business world of the early 21st century. The ideas presented in StrengthsFinder 2.0 reflect a shift in management philosophy that began around the turn of the millennium, moving away from a focus on fixing weaknesses to leveraging individual strengths.
Key Figures
• Tom Rath: Author of StrengthsFinder 2.0. Rath is a researcher, author, and speaker who has written several bestselling books on strengths and well-being. He worked for Gallup for nearly two decades, where he led research initiatives and developed the StrengthsFinder assessment. Rath's work focuses on helping individuals understand and leverage their natural talents.
• Gallup: Organization behind the StrengthsFinder assessment. Gallup is a global analytics and advice firm that helps leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. They developed the original StrengthsFinder assessment and continue to refine and improve it.
Quick facts
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 was published in 2007 as a follow-up to the original StrengthsFinder assessment introduced by Gallup.
• Tom Rath, the author, is a researcher who has been with the Gallup organization for more than 20 years.
• Gallup's research suggests that people who focus on their strengths are six times more likely to be engaged in their jobs.
• The online assessment that accompanies the book has been taken by more than 20 million people.
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 identifies 34 different talent themes, an increase from 24 in the original version.
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 comes with a unique access code for the online assessment.
• The audiobook version includes a PDF with additional resources and strategies.
• The concepts in StrengthsFinder 2.0 have been applied in more than 50 countries worldwide.
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 has sold over two million copies worldwide and spent more than five years on various bestseller lists.
About the author
Tom Rath
Tom Rath is a prolific author and researcher who has dedicated more than two decades to exploring the intersection of work, health, and well-being. His extensive body of work includes 10 books that have collectively sold more than 10 million copies and consistently appeared on global bestseller lists. Rath's most notable works include How Full Is Your Bucket?, StrengthsFinder 2.0, and Eat Move Sleep.
During his tenure at Gallup, Rath led worldwide consulting efforts in strengths, employee engagement, well-being, and leadership. He has since transitioned to roles as an external advisor and Gallup Senior Scientist. Rath's expertise has also led him to serve as Vice-Chair of the VHL cancer research organization and as a regular lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania.
Rath has co-authored two illustrated books for children, How Full Is Your Bucket? for Kids and The Rechargeables, demonstrating his commitment to fostering positive mindsets from an early age. His work continues to shape discussions on personal and professional development across various sectors.