Vital Friends, The People You Can’t Afford to Live Without

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Comments

[Steve Sherlock]

Rosa, thanks for sharing this. My company had used the Gallup survey for several years and finally discarded it last year in favor of a home grown tool. (Long story there for another time.)

I always found that one question about your best friend at work problematic and never got a satisfactory response from the implementation team. Having read Strength's series of books, this may have been the missing piece to the puzzle.

[Rosa Say]

I'd like to hear that story Steve, and we're due for another Skype call anyway!

The entire business story of Gallup is a case study in itself, and a lot of it came together for me at one point when I read Soar with your Strengths, the early book in which Donald Clifton cooked his ideas. (I mention it in the Recommended Reading at the back of MWA, and there's a link in that listing in the blog's right column) I wonder if Tom Rath is now their next Marcus Buckingham ... pretty sure we can expect to hear much more from him.

[David Zinger]

Good post about strengths Rosa. I am just finishing my review of StrengthsFinder 2.0 and look forward to comments. I think we are in a strengths evolution or revolution and will see so much more on this for the remainder of this decade.

We only have so much energy and time at work and home and not to maximize our investment in strengths seems to lessen the best we can bring to work and home.

I think it is very important to acknowledge the contribution of Peter Drucker's focus on strengths and Managing Oneself from 1999. Also I think Martin Seligman and his work in Authentic Happiness and a focus on strengths through Values in Action is very key.

I appreciated Vital Friends as people are such a key in both fostering engagement and preventing burnout. So much of my strength is derived through relationships. Anything that helps us not take others for granted is a real key in my eyes.

Looks to me like Tom and Marcus are running neck and neck and this kind of "healthy strengths competition" can only mean even better resources and focus on strengths.

Be strong and carry on...

David

[Rosa Say]

Aloha David,
I’m eager to expand this conversation in the comments of your review too David; I picked up both the books that you and Blaine are reviewing, and am currently reading them in sweet anticipation of our unfolding virtual book club on these subjects!

I knew of Peter Drucker’s writing, however thank you for making me more aware of the work done by Martin Seligman. Another book for my wishlist.

A sharing of Hawaiian for you David; the name given to male children meaning “one who is strong” or has strength, is Ikaika (pronounced ee k+eye ka), and it seems to me that would be a good Ho‘ohana Community name for you! We are very much in agreement on the life wisdom inherent in working on one’s strengths.

[David Zinger]

Rosa,

The Canadian snow is beginning to melt in Winnipeg (almost sounds Hawaiian) so Ikaika is very okay with me!

I recommend taking the VIA Signature Strength Inventory at www.authentichappiness.org. By the way, it is free and you don't need a secret code or to purchase a book. I often recommend this inventory as a first step to my clients or students who are willing to begin a walk on the strength path.

My signature strengths are: humor and playfulness, curiosity, creativity and ingenuity, love of learning, and sense of purpose.

I think it is just fabulous all the pathways to strengths. Another favorite of mine is the Reflected Best Self Exercise from Michigan's Ross School of Business. I think the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship is doing a fabulous job.

I am slight of build so often don't see myself as being strong but I have a definite gentle tenacity that pervades my work.

As Ikaika (always nice to get a new name at 52, makes me feel like a newborn) I am very honored to give the gift of my strength knowledge and focus to the Ho`ohana community.

Ikaika

[Rosa Say]

Strength of character is something you have plenty of Ikaika!

[Matthew Cornell]

Thanks for the pointer, Rosa. A while back I became of what I call "mythic characters" in my (unfolding) life story. Once I'd realized their importance to me, I was moved to try to involve them more. Sounds compatible...

[Rosa Say]

Aloha Matthew, always good to have you stop by! Sounds very compatible ... we humans are meant to age better in the company of others, don't you think? Your generosity always shows through in the writing you do Matthew, so I'm sure your wishing to involve them more was very welcomed.