The Strength Multiplier

Here is an interesting concept from Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. If you consider your talent and your investment in that talent, give them a numerical value, and then multiply them, you will arrive at a strength factor.

Let's begin by considering your talent in a give area, let's say playing the piano, and grade yourself from 0 to 5 with 5 being an expert. Talent here is defined as a natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving. Then evaluate your investment in that talent, defined as the time spent practicing, practicing, developing your skills, and building your knowledge base. Again, rate your effort from 0 to 5. Multiply these two figures together to arrive at a strength rating, defined as the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance at playing the piano.

So if you are a very gifted pianist, say a 5, but only practice sporatically, say a 3, then your strength factor is only a 15. On the other hand, even if you love playing and practice diligently, say a 5, but only have the gift of a 2-rated player, you max out at a strength of 10.

If you really love playing the piano and understand that the best you can be is a 10, that is just fine as a past time. However, when it comes to your career, if you really have a passion for a vocation, but your gift value is only a 1 or a 2, you really might consider finding a field where you are a 4 or 5 talent so that your passion can be turned into strength.

For more information, click on the title of this post. Better yet, consider buying the book, Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.

The Platinum Rule

A few years ago, I attended a series of seminars in Cleveland given by a group called Peak Performers Network. At one of the sessions, a CD of the previous presentation was given out and I, of course, filed it without remembering I had it.

We recently stumbled across it and I almost threw it away because I did not remember what it was. By some stroke of luck, I kept is and decided to give it a listen. I am very glad that I did because the program by Tony Allesandra was great.

His presentation is actually a great follow up to "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less." In it Tony explains four types of communication styles, Director, Relator, Thinker, and Socializer. He goes into great detail to explain the four different styles and claims that we may all have one or more of these styles. I totally agree.

For more more information on The Platinum Rule, click on the title of this post.

Summary on connecting with other people

After finishing "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less," I searched for an idea or two that summarizes why this book makes sense. Let me quote from author, Nicholas Boothman:

The secret of success is not hard to figure out. The better you are at connecting with other people, the better the quality of your life.

That is a very strong statement but makes good sense. If you choose to work at connecting with other people, creating a very useful attitude, and try to understand others, the quality of your relationships will certainly improve.

Give this book a try. You can locate information by clicking on the title of this post.

What kind of learner are you?

In How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less, Nicholas Boothman describes three types of learning preferences involving our senses. People can be grouped into those who are predominantly visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.

First, it is helpful to understand which category best describes you. Then, in order to facilitate communication and connection with others, it helps to understand the characteristics of others. Even though this may seem like a lot of work, using some elements of this practice will surely help you to connect better with others.

for more information on the subject, click on the headline of this post and it will take you to the book. I have found all of the advice given by Boothman in this book to be very helpful.