StrengthsFinder 2.0
by Tom Rath
Less a book than a code for an online strengths assessment, with short descriptions of thirty-four talent themes and ideas for applying your top five. The premise, that building on strengths beats fixing weaknesses, is reasonable and well supported by Gallup's data. The value depends entirely on using the test and the action items.
Read it if…
you want a structured language for what you are naturally good at, especially for team conversations.
Skip it if…
you have already taken the assessment or want a read rather than a tool; the text alone is thin.
Three things you will actually use
- Lead with your top strengths; manage around weaknesses.
- Share your results with your team and ask for theirs.
- Revisit the action items quarterly.
Do this first
Take the assessment, then write one way to use each of your top five strengths this week.
Our verdict
A useful tool with a short manual attached; buy new for the code.
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