Now, Discover Your Strengths by Donald O. Clifton, Marcus Buckingham (2001, Hardcover)

This book builds on the research found in "First, Break All The Rules" and explains how to be truly happy and successful you should play to your strengths rather than mitigate your weaknesses.

The book identified 34 unique strengths that people possess and includes an online assessment (Strenghtfinder) which identifies your top 5 strengths. Then it goes on to describe how you can take advantage of those strengths. Managers will appreciate a section on how to manage people with those strengths.

I find the philosophy quite motivating and have used it for myself and in facilitating career planning for the people I manage. It has helped me tailor roles that better suit the talents and abilities of my team members--making them more effective and satisfied.

My only wish for the book is that the authors go into more detail on the types of roles appropriate for each strength or identify famous people that also hold that strength.

NOTE: The StrengthFinder online assessment uses a unique code printed on the dustcover jacket so if you want to use that component, you should buy an unread new copy (vs. used).