Now, Discover Your Strengths
Authors: Marcus Buckingham and Donald O Clifton
Price: £8.99
Pages: 262
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN: 1416502653
How many times have you been involved in an appraisal where the discussion gets round to addressing how you are going to improve your weaknesses? This book takes a fresh look at developing your strengths and natural talents.
The authors begin by looking at the anatomy of a strength and, by drawing on specific examples of prominent individuals, they show how they have been used in real life. The theory behind the subject is all very well, but using examples really brings it home.
The book is based on the results of more than two million interviews in a systematic study of excellence. It identified 34 patterns or themes, which in their many combinations can do the best job of explaining excellent performance. A weblink leads you to an online assessment that identifies your five most dominant themes. This questionnaire was very straightforward and the results were available instantly. Further reading reveals how these natural themes can be used to maximum effect, again using specific examples gained from the research.
After reading this book and completing the online questionnaire, you will no longer spend unproductive time thinking about how to improve your weaker areas. You will focus instead on areas of strength, and how you can build upon these to become more effective.
Useful? four stars
Well-written? three stars
Practical? four stars
Inspirational? four stars
Value for money? five stars
Overall five stars
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Reviewed by Simon Ralton, HR business consultant, Canada Life
