What are your strengths?

Ryan pointed to the very cool online quiz (slash hardcover book) called Strengths Finder 2.0. It’s a great tool (over 150 questions) that helps you determine what you should really focus on.

Society says we should overcome our weaknesses. We should conquer that which we apparently cannot. I think our country was founded on that. Our movies certainly like telling stories about it (Rudy is the example given in the book). That seems silly; keep doing what you’re really good at. This test shows you where you have potential of developing your strongest talents.

It was definitely worth the $20; I went to the store, picked it up, read the book and took the test. An hour later I know a lot more about myself. Here are my results (my top 5 strengths).

1. MAXIMIZER – People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.
2. LEARNER – People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
3. ACHIEVER – People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
4. SELF-ASSURANCE – People who are especially talented in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to manage their own lives. They possess an inner compass that gives them confidence that their decisions are right.
5. ARRANGER – People who are especially talented in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They like to figure out how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

The reports you’re given are great. You get a myriad of tasks and actions to help you work on your strengths. That’s the point right? Do what you can do well… even better! Then it helps you develop a personal action plan.

I haven’t figured out my plan yet but I always enjoy learning more about myself. Knowing myself means I know my own needs and I can communicate them to my teammates, colleagues, bosses, etc. Talk about win-win-win!