Books and Movies for Strengths

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Comment by Matthias Olavi on August 22, 2008 at 1:01am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKKjWK3Davs&feature=related

Comment by Matthias Olavi on August 22, 2008 at 12:59am

Watch this to see what I mean with a "Significance quake":

Comment by Matthias Olavi on August 21, 2008 at 9:27pm

For Significance: The Devil’s Advocate
I love movies but I don't like going to the cinema. But the one movie that I went to see three times in the cinema was “The Devil’s Advocate” with Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. I can watch this movie again and again without getting bored. Ok, I still have to find someone who did not like this movie. But I have always been wondering why this movie struck such a strong chord with me. If I had Believe or Connectedess high, I would relate it to these talents, as this movie touches many interesting value questions. But I do have Significance high and I have come to the conclusion that this may best explain my fascination with this move. I guess that I am fascinated by the role of Keanu Reeves, the fast rise of this smart young lawyer, his encounter with the even more impressing Al Pacino, and then his fall into a deep “Significance quake” when things get bad with his wife. It raises a lot of interesting questions of what Significance means for us who crave for it and what price we are willing to pay for it: career, winning at all costs, fame, status symbols, or should it rather be a happy wife, being recognized for one's integrity and character, fighting for justice?

Comment by Michelle Louis on August 20, 2008 at 11:14pm

I have an idea for a film that communicates the strengths philosophy, not necessarily any particular signature theme. The film is "Glory Road" (2006) and the part of the movie I'm thinking about is the section in which the coach asks the players to take on a new set of methods for playing basketball that run counter to their natural talents. The team fails miserably, and the players plead with the coach to allow them to play in ways that highlight their natural talents. When the coach agrees, the team's performance improves dramatically. I have used these sections of the film in a class session with students to illustrate the idea behind strengths-based approaches and the clips can generate some good discussion.

Comment by Matthias Olavi on August 20, 2008 at 11:26am

For Woo (and maybe also Relator, Connectedness and Positivity):

I am not strong with Woo myself, but maybe for this reason (or because I have Relator in my Top 10), I found Keith Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time" very helpful. I imagine that it would be especially so for someone who would like to develop his woo talent into a networking strength.

Comment by Matthias Olavi on August 20, 2008 at 9:21am

For Connectedness:
Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" is a Nr. 1 National Bestseller. The subtitle says "How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference". "The Tipping Point is tha magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like a wildfire." Connectedness is not one of my strongest talents but this book opened my eyes for what connectedness also means in these modern times. I imagine that it must delight for all people strong in Connectedness!

Comment by Matthias Olavi on August 19, 2008 at 6:16pm

Dear Linda, I am glad that you liked this idea. Indeed, whenever I read a new book or watch a movie, I am thinking whether it would be especially good for a certain talent type. That's probably my Maximizer+Ideation ruminating. And yet, when I was trying to find good examples, it was not so easy! But it is an interesting exercise to sharpen your talent assessment!

Comment by Linda J. Dunn on August 19, 2008 at 5:02pm

I love the idea of connecting books and movies to strengths. Can't wait to see what other folks come up with and I'll have to rack my brain to see if I can come up with any. One I have seen used is Akeelah and the Bee - don't know if a specific talent was the focus or talents in general and growing them into strengths.

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