MySkillCenter

This book was a great addition to my formative years as a professional. It opened my thoughts up to what needed focus in my career and where I was headed. The first part of the book was dry and a little off the topic of strengths. In fact, it seemed to center more on weaknesses. For some reason, I kept reading, looking for the positive reinforcement for which I had hoped.

The second part pulled it through. From catalysts to empowerment, I found more value and direction. It not only provided ideas, but activities as well. Lists were created and action plans set. If you are a new professional, exam the details within. If you are a seasoned executive, remind yourself and your staff of where your strengths lie and allow them to grow.

From a large team to a small team, this book provides opportunities for discussion. The book shares stories about invidivuals such as Colin Powel, Bill Gates, and Tiger Woods. It is backed by the research of the Gallup organization and contains a code to an online feedback tool in StrengthsFinder. This feedback tool is accurate and easy to use.

While it does not truly tell you how to integrate your core strengths with that of another individual or, more importantly, your entire team…you have to pay much more money for their personalized or team course for that…it does provide direction on career development based on your identified strengths and shares insights on how managers can lead and interact with team members with particular strengths. Good resource for a team or individual. However, as with all assessments, balance good intent with common sense.