University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
Now, Discover Your Strengths
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Now, Discover Your Strengths

Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton
Free Press, 2001
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Editorial Rating

8

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  • Applicable

Recommendation

The path to success, as defined by researchers and management consultants Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, contains one important detour. Rather than focusing on improving areas of weakness – a common practice for people and businesses – focus on boosting strengths. This approach – based on decades of research into excellence by The Gallup Organization – forms the foundation for strength-based careers and companies. Using the “StrengthsFinder” process, identify your five dominant strengths and then develop and leverage them. Alas, the authors’ designated tool for ascertaining your strengths is not in this volume; it’s available online with purchase of the book. Nonetheless, getAbstract recommends this guide to building on your innate strengths to managers, the self-employed and anyone who wants to be more productive.

Summary

Strength Capitalization

Most organizations’ development programs center on addressing weaknesses. Most workers feel that their employers do not use their strengths and talents to best advantage. Organizations often exacerbate this problem with flawed strategic thinking based on two false assumptions:

  1. Anybody can acquire the knowledge and skills to be good at almost any job.
  2. People develop most effectively when they attack their weaknesses.

This misguided focus causes companies to spend too much on training, misjudge performance and make endless attempts to fill “skill gaps.” Using human resources efficiently means enabling every employee to build on his or her strengths. To help your company hire, evaluate and develop talent by boosting strengths rather than addressing weaknesses, adopt two new assumptions:

  1. Every individual has “enduring,” distinct abilities.
  2. Individuals can develop most effectively by building on their strengths.

A “Strength-Based” Life

The secret to success is: “Capitalize on your strengths and manage around your weaknesses.” Your maturity level and ability to self-assess, as well as...

About the Authors

Marcus Buckingham co-authored the bestsellers First, Break All the Rules, Now, Discover Your Strengths and The One Thing You Need to Know. Donald O. Clifton designed Gallup’s StrengthsFinder online questionnaire.

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