In my experience we often evaluate workers on a specific set of criteria or objectives tied to job descriptions. Our annual reviews are chocked full of notes which tell us how we were deficient in one or more of our responsibilities. We are told, that on a scale from 1 - 5 (with 5 being the best score), every area where we are less than perfect. I can only speak for myself, but when I have worked diligently and given what I thought was more than expected, then am told in writing and verbally, just how much I am lacking in areas of “competency”, I am at the least emotionally deflated. I have to conscientiously pull myself out of negative thoughts and feelings to push on towards excellence.
There is great value in having reviews and seeking areas for improvement. However, I believe that Don Clifton came up with something which I believe is a better approach for career planning. In 1999, Don Clifton created an online assessment called StrengthsFinder. The idea was to help businesses and workers to find out where individuals have strengths across 34 unique themes. We can then use these strengths along with the individual’s aptitudes to develop more efficient and effective teams.
Tom Rath is Don Clifton’s grandson and has continued in the legacy of seeking out how to help people find and develop their strengths. Pick up a copy of “StrengthsFinder2.0”, and you will find out the basics about these 34 themes. If it is a new book, you should also find a sealed insert near the back of the book, with a code and website where you can take the “StrengthsFinder2.0” assessment. You will find it helpful and enlightening as a tool to help with personal and professional growth.
“Strengths Based Leadership” gives you access to take the “StrengthsFinder2.0” assessment. Additionally, it provides insight into aspects which helping in team leadership. Someone can certainly pick up this book and read it from cover to cover, but that is not the primary intent. The initial ~100 pages provides insight into the value of understanding people’s strengths. The rest of the book serves as a compilation of reference information to help with the implementing the idea of leading with, and playing to our strengths as an individual and those in our care.
I have a good friend who is quick to remind me and others, we are leaders if we are a brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, grand parent, teacher, coach, manager, technical lead, or many other titles which can be handed out. We all lead at some level. Successful leadership is intentional, learning, growing, and always seeking to improve. This book provides the reader with tools to assist in seeking to continually develop and improve leadership skills.