Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?

Chances are, you don’t. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.

To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in 2001 which ignited a global conversation and helped millions to discover their top five talents.

In its latest national bestseller, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes, and much more (see below for details). While you can read this book in one sitting, you’ll use it as a reference for decades.

I am one of those people that HAVE TO fill out those questionnaires that come by email… you know the ones, “favorite food, restaurant, color, “friend most likely to respond”… 😛  I dont know why, but I love to answer questions.  It is even better if it is a personality quiz or something like that so as you can guess book was right up my alley.

I had never heard of Strength Finders, but at work, our team was each given one of these books to take, and complete on our own.  The book has a code in a sealed envelope in the back of it and once you read the instructions, you tear open the envelope and go on line to take the test.

The test takes about 20 – 30 minutes.  It is important you take it when you are alone with  no distractions as you have 20 seconds to answer each question before it skips it and moves on.  The point of that is they want your first thought, not for you to dwell on how to answer.  The questions look like this:

You check the circle that is closest to how you feel.

The whole point of this book is that many of us are working outside our strengths, and we are all wired differently and some weaknesses (most weaknesses) will always be just that and focusing on them just makes us tired and stressed, and really feeling unworthy.  Instead, Strength Finders focoses on your strengths so tasks can be given you at your job, that you will not only enjoy, but succeed in.  (Did I mention I love stuff like this?)

Once you complete your set of questions you will receive your results within a minute.  This is where the book really comes in.  The results are then all in the book so you can see what certain things mean and how you can use them to better your work, as well as your life, just by knowing how you personally are wired.  Fascinating stuff!  Really!

So… what were my results?

My Top 5 Strengths

Maximizer

Input

Includer

Responsibility

Positivity

Maximizer:  Excellent not average is your measure.  Taking something from from below average to slightly above average takes a great deal of effort and in your opinion, not worth it.  Transforming something strong into something superb takes just as much effort but is more rewarding.  I am to seek roles where I can help others succeed.

Input:  I am inquisitive and like to collect information (words, facts, books…) My mind finds so many things interesting.  If I read a lot, it is not to define my theories, but to add more information to the archives of my mind.

Includer:  Stretch the circle wider.  I want all people to feel as though they are part of the group.  I actively avoid groups that exclude others.  I am an instinctively accepting person.  Regardless of race or sex or nationality or personality you cast few judgements.

Responsibility:  I take ownership in anything I commit to.  I am emotionally bound to finish what I start.  My willingness to volunteer will sometimes cause me to take on more than I should.

Positivity:  Generous with praise, quick to smile, always looking for the positive side.  People are drawn to you because your energy and optimism is contagious.