Comments on: My Review of “Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently” by Marcus Buckingham

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:21:22 +0000

I concur. People need to see this for what it is – big business consulting. The fact that we can’t see all the data makes it bad science. Thanks! Bret

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:04:04 +0000

Hey, you raise some excellent points and I like people who are secure in their opinions. I think it’s important to research all sides of a theory or program before accepting it as “the answer.” From my perspective, there is no one answer to finding fulfillment in life – work or personal.

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:29:57 +0000

Catherine, guess you could tell I have strong feelings about this strength based stuff. I don’t mind it being positioned as advice – we all give that. But it is way oversold; made to sound like research makes it a slam dunk and that is just not true. That bothers me, as it should anyone that cares about the legions of regular folks trying to make the best out of their work lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Give Marcus my love Bret

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:00:04 +0000

So, how do you really feel about Buckingham’s work : )

I know we’ve conversed about this before: I think the danger of any program is when it is used as a quick fix for organizational problems instead of doing the work to identify root causes. Plus, I believe assessments should never be used as a substitute for good management and leadership practices.

BTW: I’m seeing Marcus in person tomorrow in Alexandria, MN. I’ll be sure to say “hi” : )

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:10:34 +0000

Mary Jo, I share your concern about managers making decisions based on these assessment results. Your point about the industry that has been spawned by these books is right on- I hope folks grasp this point. Thanks!! Bret

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:40:23 +0000

Hi Bret,

Thank you for the review. I never considered reading this book as I also disliked Buckingham’s previous book, which you cited.

Buckingham was a co-author of the Gallup’s Now Discover Your Strengths bestseller, and a companion to it, the Strengthsfinder Index which is an assessment that is widely believed to provide a “read” on an individual’s top strengths. Interestingly, the pyschometric data to back up the assessment is pretty light (which may be an understatement).

What scares me is that managers are making decisions for themselves and others in their organizations based on the assessment results. And, the book and assessment, although aging (2001) have spawned a whole industry of consultants who take advantage of the inexpensive book/assessment to consult, coach and train on “strengths”.

And so the money machine continues, it appears. There is money in the strengths game, and Buckingham and the publishers know how to find it.

Thanks for being a voice for science and quality.

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:16:44 +0000

Lori, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I concur with your concern about why these folks are promoting this book. It is a strange union because the only thing the book tells you to have faith in is your unique strength. Not sure why they went with this, but can’t dismiss the power of $$$. Thanks! Bret

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:01:02 +0000

I could not agree more. Great analysis and review. I am sad this book was promoted by Thomas Nelson and Women of Faith, two organizations I believe in. I pray they were not caught up in only the monetary value of publishing and promoting this book. I have not read Buckingham’s other books, but I know I will not read any more in the future.