Yesterday I had a very fun and energizing day of leading the 2006 IMN cohort through the Gallup StrengthsFinder at William Carey College in Pasadena, CA. I enjoyed many of the folks who were in my online strengths class months ago (maybe November 2005?) - in person.
I told them I would post the StrengthsFinder books that they need to read to go deeper in their understanding of the instrument, and how to get a better idea of how to lead people through the test & processing their results. Doug who was in my class has the strength of Responsibility and he wrote me a note to remind me to do what I am now doing, thanks Doug.
In a suggested order:
1. Soar With Your Strengths by Donald Clifton
The basis of all Strengths theory and a look at positive psychology - any good strength coach starts here.
2. First, Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham
A look at managment and what makes people happy, or unhappy in their work. This is essential if you want to know about the concept of “Fit” which is very elusive to 70% of our population.
3. Now, Discover Your Strengths by Donald Clifton
The book that unleashed the strengths revolution on the world. This is a must read, and contains a code to take the StrengthsFinder test.
4. StrengthsQuest by Donald Clifton and Chip Anderson
This book looks at strengths in life, education, careers, relationships, geared for the student, but really helpful to people of all ages. Contains a code to take the StrengthsFinder test.
This book talks about how Gallup does consulting, and how you can put people in the right spots in your organization. It is useful to read.ÂÂ
6. Teach With Your Strengths by Roxanne Liesveld
Another book that contains the StrengthsFinder test, this book looks at how teaching and being engaged with your strengths can help you out. This book gives more morsels from Gallup about the StrengthsFinder test.
Again, another book that contains the StrengthsFinder test - this book goes into how people use their strength to sell, it does not contain a ton of useful information, but if you want your Gallup collection to be complete, you must read this book.
8. How Full Is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath
This book is about being positive, fairly short read. This contains a StrengthsFinder code and is the cheapest way to get a StrengthsFinder test - barring some other way you may know.
9. Living Your Strengths by Donald Clifton
This is a faith based approach to discovering your strengths. Contains a code for the StrengthsFinder test.
That is all I have for you for now, but that should keep you busy for a few months. If I have missed anything, please let me know.
JVD
It was great meeting you last night! Hope you have a fun week!
Hey, Joe thanks for your time and the info…I really enjoyed yesterday.
Deana - So great to meet you all as well - safe travels. JVD
Eric -
Thank you for stopping by, and hanging out yesterday!
Stop by the booth this week -
JVD
Hey Joe. Great to meet you properly yesterday! And thanks so much for all the Stengths Finder stuff…we’re really looking forward to using the tool more and more back in Sheffield.
Sam -
Hello! Right back at you bro - I want you to meet Dr. Thorsten Moritz - my friend from Bethel who was in London at London School of Theology - Stop by and say hi at the booth -
JVD
I would add one more to the list–THE ONE THING YOU NEED TO KNOW, by Marcus Buckingham. It’s not a Gallup book, but Buckingham (who is the coauthor of FIRST, BREAK ALL THE RULES and NOW, DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS) builds on the themes of some of the earlier books and offers an additional, indispensible layer for managing one’s career around one’s strengths.
Max-
Thanks for stopping by - I have not finished that book yet, but would totally agree with you. I felt bad putting it on there as I have not fully read it!
JVD
You mention any good strengths coach starts with soar with your strengths. I want to get that for my husband whose dream it is to be a coach. What steps do you recommend? He is wanting to become a licensed life coach and has looked into Gallup’s training, but it’s pretty expensive to do it as a private contractor. What other things could he be doing? (If it’s not obvious, I have activator as one of my strengths.) =) Thanks!
Steph -
He should read all those books. He should go to a StrengthsQuest training for $250 - it does not license you, but it is great training. http://www.strengthsquest.com I hope that helps!