Rating: 
Summary: The "Key" to using a "Used" copy
Review: I actually purchased a new copy of this book. I used it, and loved it. However, I wanted my fiance to benefit from the book, and didn't think I should have to buy another copy to have access to the online tool.So I sent Gallup an email via their strengthsfinder.com website. I gave the original ID code and asked if it was possible to purchase a new code so that a family member could use the book as well. Within 2 days, I had a new <free> access code for my fiance. I can't speak for Gallup, but I would imagine that if enough people write in that they purchase used copies of the book and would like to purchase a new ID code, Gallup would either give the inquirer one for free, or would set up a system to start selling the ID codes for just a few dollars. Give it a try! OH - and by the way, I had to give my book's ID number - I think they track how many extensions they give out so that they aren't just giving money away by not selling enough copies of the book!
Rating: 
Summary: A word of caution
Review: I purchased a new copy of this publication from a major book retail outlet. After reading the first few chapters to understand the thesis, I followed the instructions to log on and take the assessment evaluation. The website would not let me log on, indicating that someone else had utilized the code that was provided with the publication. So a word of caution, Don't buy used if you think that you may want to utilize the book. Don't buy from a book store because someone else may have already accessed the code. The Gallup Organization will no return emails or phone calls. JUST DON'T BUY IT. It is not worth the hassle or expense.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the most accessible and useful business books ever
Review: If you are like me, and want to avoid the "flavor of the month" type of business book, then you will love this one. First, it is short and well-written, which makes the information very accessible. Next, it is actually based on "facts" - actually thousands of interveiws that the Gallup organization has conducted over several years. Finally, it was fascinating to log into their website and run the test on Strength Finder. My business partner and co-founder said that they nailed me! I would strongly recommend this book to any manager or aspiring manager.
Rating:
Summary: True Grit
Review: This book, with true grit, espouses the philosophy that has brought me success throughout my corporate career, namely, if you make it they will come, if you help them they will follow. First, let this book help you. Read its message. Follow its message. Go on to help others. And, no surprise, they will follow you as their leader. Also recommended: understand the basic philosophies that underpin leadership by reading "West Point: Thomas Jefferson: Character Leadership Education" by Norman Thomas Remick.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This book has many strengths....the art of finding out who you are is just one of them
Rating: 
Summary: Does not live upto the expectations
Review: I bought this book after reading the reviews here. I expected in depth analysis of each strengths and possibly tips on how to build up on to those strengths and all I got was a short descrition of top 5 strengths and nothing more. Most of the book is about the theory that using one's strengths is better than overcoming one's weaknesses. The book had been much better if only a chapter or two were devoted to it and rest were left for an in-depth analysis of those strengths. If you can get hold of the code off the jacket of the book and take the test online, then the book is worthless.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable and Constructive Reading
Review: "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O.
Clifton is a fun and useful read. The premise is that we spend
too much time trying to understand and repair our weaknesses when
we should instead be developing our natural strengths. The Gallup International Research & Education Center developed a
strengths profile based on psychological information gathered
over many years of study. The book comes with a code you can plug
into Strengthsfinder.com and enter your responses to profile
questions. Strengthsfinder then analyzes your information and
provides a report of your five top strengths. I completed the Strengthsfinder profile and found it to be quite
accurate and helpful in pointing out my greatest strengths.
Another part I found very useful was the chapter on how to manage
other people based on their strengths profiles. When I read how a
person with my strengths should be managed I truly thought, "Wow,
I wish I had a boss that managed me like this! I'd be a top
performer!" Again, I thought their analysis was right on. I recommend this book as an enjoyable and practical business and
career builder tool.
Rating:
Summary: First rate book that delivers!
Review: The best part of this wonderful book is the online questionnaire which enables participants to gain insight into their talents and strengths. As a direct result of reading this book and taking the results of the questionnaire to mind and heart, I consiciously choose activities that utilize my strengths when planning my day. I also recommend the "Rate Your Thinking" questionnaire at optimalthinking.com to determine how much of your thinking is in your best interest. It's free! In my opinion, Optimal Thinking: How To Be Your Best Self is the most important book for all, to learn how to make the most of thinking, feelings, strengths, resources, opportunities and to bring out the best in others.
Rating:
Summary: A Glass of Lemonade
Review: I thought I'd place my premature evaluation. I call it premature because I have only reached chapter 5 thus far. This book is definitely refreshing - like a tall glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. I was intrigued most by the idea of a new paradigm in the area of improvement - focus on your strengths for improvement and not your weakness (as much) - so simple, yet so valuable. I would say the online exam is worth the price of the book. For me, I found it to be very accurate. Within the framework of this book, I have had the opportunity to reflect and see my strengths in my past interactions - VERY EMPOWERING. This book encourages you to be yourself (the best way you know how) because you have a mix of greatness that is unique to you. Here is your chance to know thy self. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Book defective--no review possible
Review: I paid for the new book, but it arrived without the code required to conduct that partnered web profile. Amazon said I would have to contact the publisher for resolution, although from the generic nature of the reply I doubt my customer service request was even read by a human. Regardless--buy the book somewhere where you can return it if it is defective, not here.
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