Book Review: StrengthsFinder 2.0 from Gallup

This month the book review is something a little different, but it’s right up my street!  In the world of The Balance Collective and the work that I do as a coach and wellbeing trainer, I like to shine a light on your strengths. It doesn’t matter if you are returning to work, developing a better balance, or searching for your next job, knowing what you are good at, and learning how to apply it, really makes the difference between a career to enjoy or one to endure. I use a range of tools to achieve this with my clients; will I be bringing the StrengthsFinder 2.0 into the fold?

My go-to profiling tool is the DISC profile. This is a great way to identify, discuss and create actions to help a person develop. However, this is only useful in collaboration with a trained practitioner (like me!). I wondered if there was anything else out there that could be used independently. Many people cannot access the time and skills of a qualified coach but still have the desire for insight and guidance. Would this be the answer? As if the world of publishing heard my internal musings, I was contacted to see if I would like to review the updated version of StrengthsFinder!

So, before I share my thoughts, let me tell you what StrengthsFinder is! Invented by Dr Don Clifton, who is seen as the “Father” of Strengths-Based Psychology, the book is the accompaniment to an online assessment (called StrengthsFinder, or more recently, CliftonStrengths). Following Clifton’s time in World War II, he returned to his studies, with the desire to investigate the question “What would happen if we studied what was right with people?” Over time, all this work led to the thirty-four themes present within the strengths finder 2.0. By using the one-off code in the back of the book, for the online questionnaire, you are given your strengths profile. By using the book, you can uncover more about how to use your strengths, but also, you can learn more about your team (assuming they ALSO have their profile to hand)
So over to my experience of the process.

The questionnaire felt thorough, however, there were times that I felt I couldn’t align with the areas they were asking about. At those times, I used a “neutral” reaction. Often in profiling, this approach is discouraged, so I was concerned to see how this would impact the result. However, when the report was emailed to me, it seemed pretty spot on. The report (and within the book) has the caveat that “the purpose of CliftonStrengths is not to anoint you with strengths – it simply helps you find areas where you have the greatest potential to develop strengths.” With this firmly in mind, I reviewed my results.

The report suggested that I have strengths in the following areas: Intellection, Context, Leaner, Maximiser, Relator. The report provides the top five strengths and a breakdown of what that means. For example,

“Intellection”
… like mental activity and focus on understanding someone’s feelings …

“Context”
… look back to understand the present …

“Maximizer”
… see talents and strengths in others before anyone else does…

On the first pass, it is a surprisingly good overview of the skills and strengths a coach would need. So, it reassures me I am on the right path in my career!

The relevant parts in the book are also in the online report generated following the questionnaire– but we cannot have the report without the one-use code within the book (so it’s ultimately the same thing)!  I prefer the way the information is laid out on the report; broken down by the description of the strengths, why your “style” is unique and finally how to apply each strength to success. The book would be useful if you were working through the strengths model in a team or peer setting, so you better understand the strengths of your colleagues.

After spending time reflecting and applying some of the actions to my personal and professional life, I can see this book would be a solid tool to work through independently. With a price tag of around £30* it seems like an affordable choice for those who want to gain practical, science-based, insight to apply to their personal or professional life. However, this is very much the starting point, and it won’t surprise you to read, that an insight without accountability can mean motivation drops quickly! So, when you pick this book up, consider who you will involve to keep you on track!

Have you used CliftonStrenths? I would love to know your thoughts!

You can read the previous personal development book reviews here.

*Thank you to Mare Nostrum Group for a copy of the book.  You can find a copy of this book at all good bookshops (both online and in person!)

If you would like to find out how my career, balance & return to work coaching can help you, your goals, and your wellbeing, book a call here.