What Gallup says about the StrengthsFinder 2.0
Gallup has researched the relationship between the extent to which people use their strengths at work and the extent to which they feel engaged in that work. Gallup’s research supports the idea that if people have the opportunity at work to do what they are good at, they feel engaged at work. In addition, identifying strengths and then focussing on them offers real potential for personal growth.
Gallup used the data from (at that time) 100,000 talent-based interviews to highlight and describe the 34 most common talent themes. The Gallup proposition is that, having identified your top talents, you can knowingly invest in those natural talents to develop real strengths in those areas.
How it works
You buy the book StrengthsFinder 2.0, then log into the StrengthsFinder website, using the unique access code in your copy of the book. You then complete the online questionnaire. A report is produced as soon as you complete the questionnaire. The report identifies your top five talents and describes how you might be interpreting each of them. The report also offers ideas for action to develop each of your talents.
Why I use it
- It’s very accessible – anybody can buy this on Amazon
- The questionnaire is really quick and straightforward to use
- The overall tool is based on good research
- Gallup is a recognised and respected name – this gives the tool good face validity in the eyes of a coaching client
- The tool offers 34 talents with a clear description for each. These are described online and in the book. The descriptions are readily understood and are accompanied by mini descriptions written by individuals who have that talent and use it knowingly
- The book is consistent in its message that these talents will need work if you really want to develop strength in each of your areas of natural talent. This makes the tool a good start point for a conversation about development
- It’s strengths-based rather than focussing on weaknesses.
My only disappointment is that there is nothing in the tool that weaves together the top five talents that the questionnaire highlights. You are left entirely on your own to think about how your top talents might interact and support each other, and what, therefore, might be your unique contribution to your world of work. I would love to see this developed in version 3.0!
Visit Amazon for more reviews and a competitive price: StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Gallup Press; First Printing edition (28 Feb 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781595620156
ISBN-13: 978-1595620156
ASIN: 159562015X
Product Dimensions: 19 x 12.4 x 2.4 cm