A lot has been said about focusing on your strengths instead of your weaknesses. I don’t know about you, but I’m finding this to be true.
Especially after I discovered my strengths from the StrengthsFinder 2.0 test.
What Is StrengthsFinder 2.0?
Put simply, StrengthsFinder 2.0 is a test that will help you uncover your strengths and talents. Through a series of questions you’ll be given the results of a 30+ minute test that will lay out the areas you most likely excel in.
Tom Rath originally worked with Dr. Donald Clifton to create the StrengthsFinder test. In 2007, Rath and the researchers at Gallop revised the test and created StrengthsFinders 2.0.
How StrengthsFinder 2.0 Helps You
Every leader knows they have strengths and weaknesses. But do they really know what those are? Or are they guessing and doing their best to work in their strengths area?
With StrengthsFinder 2.0, Rath and Gallop hope to bridge the gap between thinking you know and actually knowing.
After the test, you’re presented with the results and your strengths are laid out in front of you. Easy to see and easy to begin studying.
You also receive a breakdown of each strength and what that strength really means.
Sometimes you’ll be surprised with what you learn and other times you’ll nod your head saying “I knew this. I knew it all along.”
I think every one of us could use that reinforcement, especially during times of frustration. To have information in front of us that confirms what we already know.
After the test, you’ll receive:
Strengths Insight and Action-Planning Guide
Strengths Insight Guide (Brief)
Action-Planning Guide
Certificate Creator
Once you discover your strengths, you’ll be able to form a plan on how to actively pursue areas that rely on your strengths. You’ll also see areas that you can delegate to those who are stronger than you in those areas.
What StrengthsFinders 2.0 Told Me About Myself
After I took the test, I realized Rath and his team had done an excellent job in assessing the strengths of those that are willing to take the test. Each strength had me nodding and saying “That’s me.”
So, what did StrengthsFinders 2.0 say about me? What are my strengths?
Here’s my results:
Includer – This means I tend to be inclusive of others, have an awareness of those who feel left out, and I try to include them. My thoughts is that this is a fairly accurate description of how I treat others. I tend to include everyone and make them feel welcome.
Adaptability – Adapters tend to go with the flow and are NOW people. We tend to take things one day at a time and are okay with that. (This helps me understand why I struggle with planning and setting goals. While I know those are important, I tend to go with the flow.)
Activator – Those with the Activator theme tend to be able to move their thoughts into actions, often are impatient. Honestly, I think this is my weakest area and the impatient part doesn’t fit well.
Ideation – People who fall into the Ideation label are fascinated by ideas and can see how ideas and actions fit together in the grand scheme of things. This theme fits well. I’m able to find connections with things many people are not able to. Sometimes I wonder if I’m crazy but the idea of being an Ideation person makes sense.
Woo – Wooers find enjoyment in the challenge of meeting new people and forming new connections. They love to bring new people into their circles of influence. And I’ve got to say, this last one is especially true of me. I love to mingle and meet new people when I’m in large groups.
The StrengthsFinder 2.0 test confirmed quite a few themes I knew I had going for me. And it also challenged me with one I don’t think really fits me. Maybe, as I study myself more, I’ll discover the theme of Activator to be more true than I do at this time.
If you want to discover your strengths, check out StrengthsFinders 2.0. You can purchase a copy from Amazon by clicking HERE.
Question: Have you taken the StrengthsFinders 2.0 test? If so, what were your strengths? If not, how could discovering your strengths help you in your leadership? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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