HEART & SOUL

Tool can identify top work strengths

— With so many fascinating books and blogs out there, it’s easy to learn about yourself and others. But blogs have their biases, and online tests are so numerous that it’s hard to know what’s reliable. While the year is young and the spirit of starting anew is still strong, here’s my recommendation for one of the most effective and helpful tests I’ve ever taken: StrengthsFinder 2.0.

The StrengthsFinder 2.0 test is based on the work of the famous Gallup organization, using the results of decades of study and research with millions of people. There are two ways to take the test. You can buy the best-selling book, StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath, for about $24 and use the unique access code each book contains to take the online test. This is what I did, as I wanted the book as a handy reference guide. Or you can go to gallupstrengthscenter. com and take the test online for about $10. A cautionary note: If you buy a secondhand book to take the test, be sure the code hasn’t been used.

From its research, the Gallup organization has determined 34 unique strengths it considers key in the workplace and in life. Once you take the test, you’ll immediately see the results — the list of your top five strengths. For me, this list was a revelation.

In order, my top five were Strategic, Futuristic, Relator, Self-Assurance and Ideation. Since the way Gallup uses these words is not typical, don’t assume you understand a strength from the name alone. For example, prior to taking the test, I wouldn’t have called myself strategic. After the test, it was obvious from the description of that strength that my favorite work has always involved strategy and that this is how my mind naturally works.

The top five list put a name to qualities and interests that have brought the most fulfillment and enjoyment in my work. Most of us have all 34 strengths to some degree, but think of the top five as your key comfort zone, the places where you’ll find the most success in your work.

To see if my initial enthusiasm about the list would last, I put it on the wall next to my desk. After a few months of trying to work and dwell more in those areas, it was clear they exactly described the kinds of activities that were easiest and most enjoyable for me. At that point, I took a copy of them to my manager and said, “This is who I am. If you have an assignment that uses these skills, I’d really appreciate the opportunity to use my top strengths to help it succeed.”

To my relief, he was open and supportive. Months later, our entire team had taken the test, and it continues to be a means of understanding and working together better. This Thanksgiving, I asked Marc and the kids to take the StrengthsFinder test.

They did, and over the holiday we shared our lists. Again, the only word that describes what this meant to me as a wife and mother was that it felt like a revelation. It gave me insights I might never have been able to discern on my own, and it was a beautiful way to help us all understand one another better.

For that family conversation, we got the companion book, Strengths Based Leadership by Rath and Barry Conchie, and the additional insights it offered deepened our understanding. Of course, not everyone wants or needs to grow in this way, but I love this stuff. For me, this test stands out in accuracy and usefulness. It’s my hope that if you’ll take the time to explore your strengths, you and everyone around you will benefit from greater understanding, enjoyment of life and work, and a deeper and lasting mutual support.

Write to Jennifer Hansen at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 7, Springdale, Ark. 72765. E-mail her at:

jhansen@arkansasonline.com

Family, Pages 34 on 01/09/2013

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