Strengths: Books

The Strengths Way

the art of building on strengths

The Strengths Way tells stories of real people who have followed their vocation, found the right vehicles and done valuable work. It is also a source of practical tools and techniques to help others to follow this path in their own ways. The result of over 40 year’s work encouraging people to develop their ‘A’ talents, the book provides an inspiring compass for people, teams and organisations that want to achieve ongoing success.

“I have known Mike Pegg for years. He’s a fantastic encourager and his latest book, The Strengths Way is filled with inspiring real-life stories and great practical exercises which really help intelligent optimists find their way.”

_{Gerry McNulty, writer and performer}

“The Strengths Way is a great book that mixes the theoretical with the practical in a way that makes the subject accessible to anyone. The book contains many case studies of people that have decided to ‘live the dream’ and follow their passions, often taking great risks, with inspiring results. The strengths approach described in the book also works superbly inside established companies that seek to harness the abilities of their people. I have seen it at first hand - and it works.”

_{Roy White, Vice President, Human Resources, Sony Europe}

“Great performers play to their strengths - be it in music, sport or working life. At the same time, they find ways to compensate for their weaknesses. Over the past 6 years I have tried to follow this philosophy when leading teams and organisations. Perhaps the hardest part is helping people to find and use their real talents—the space where they can do really great work. Mike’s book provides many tools for making this happen and I have seen the benefits–both for individuals and organisations. I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to find and build on people’s strengths.”

_{Paul Thomalla, VP EMEA, Stratus Technologies}

“Mike Pegg is the great encourager, responsible for helping thousands of people to release their inner creativity. The many personal stories woven into the text are truly inspiring, as well as being instructional. The book applies to people in jobs, self employment or unpaid work. Mike says, “everybody has something special to give to the world”; this book will help you to discover just what that is. It will help you to build on your strengths and find your vocation.”

_{Barrie Hopson, Founder, Lifeskills International}

Strengths Coaching in 90 Minutes (with Sue Moore)

How can you help a person to find their ‘A’ talent?

How can you then help them to build on their strengths, set specific goals and achieve success? Co-written with Sue Moore, Strengths Coaching in 90 Minutes provides a powerful repertoire of tools for helping people develop their ‘As’, whilst also dealing with the consequences of their ‘Bs’ and ‘Cs’. It is backed up with real case studies and tried and tested, ready to use coaching exercises. Providing a fascinating insight into the art of strengths coaching from two highly experienced practitioners who have, over the last 40 years, been using the techniques provided with people in many different fields - from artists to athletes, directors to delinquents and sales people to software writers - this book provides a wealth of ideas you can take and use in your own way to help people realise their potential.

“Understanding what each of us is uniquely brilliant at, and what we’re not, can be as liberating for us as it is powerful for our employers. Sue Moore and Mike Pegg draw on thousands of hours of strength coaching to lay out the simple steps, applicable exercises and relevant case histories so that you can try this at home. Uncage yourself and your employees and read this book: it’s one of the most insightful and productive ways you can spend the next 90 minutes.”

_{Jon Gisby, Vice President of Media for Yahoo! Europe}

“Building on people’s strengths used to be a neglected part of employee development. During the past ten years, however, many HR practitioners have implemented this approach. Philosophies come and go, but the real test is: ‘Do they work in practice?’ The strengths coaching framework described in this book is one that I have found to be extremely effective. HR practitioners will be able ‘to take the best and leave the rest’. Strengths Coaching in 90 Minutes provides many ideas and tools that can be used to develop people at every level in an organisation.”

_{Paul Mitford, Human Resources Director for PC World}

The Class Act Book

How You Can Become A Class Act

How can you find your ‘A’ talent? How can you do what you do best? How can you become a ‘Class Act’? This is a phrase used to describe somebody who consistently does brilliant work—then adds that touch of class. Such people deliver the goods at crucial moments. How do they make this happen? Class Acts start by choosing an activity in which they can excel. They then develop their character, competence, consistency and creativity. Finally, they add that touch of class.

Faced by a challenge at special moments, they become very calm. Things seem to go ’slowly yet speedily’. Finalising their picture of perfection, they concentrate on the process as much as the prize. They then ‘climb the mountain at the top of the mountain’. Sometimes they produce magical work. Sometimes they produce a solution that seems stunningly simple, but therein lies its genius. How can you do such great work? Packed with practical tools, this book demonstrates how you can develop your ‘A’ talent and become a class act.

“At Microsoft, we aim to build an environment in which great people can do what they do best at work every day. People often do great work when they can build on their strengths–but also have the opportunity to stretch. Whether they perform in business, sports or the arts, it is vital that they identify and use their top talent. We have found that the class act approach resonates with our people. Many have taken the tools on board to ensure that they -and their teams -continue to be ‘A’ players and deliver great performances. The Class Act Book provides many ideas that a person, team or company can use to stay ahead of the game and build a successful future.”

_{Stephen Harvey , Director of People & Culture , Microsoft Ltd}