It's hard for me to describe how much Marcus Buckingham's books have impacted and benefited my life.  It's like I see the world in a whole new way, now.  Everyday I wake up and see the truth of the concept of talent in the people around me.  In every single person I have the chance to observe for a long enough period of time, I can see talents- consistent, recurring, irrepressible patterns of behavior.

I have read (or listened to the audio book version of) The One Thing You Need to Know, First Break All the Rules, Now Discover Your Strengths, Standout, and I am currently reading Go Put Your Strengths to Work. I took both StrengthsFinder and the Standout assessment. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of these books and I absolutely love the Standout assessment. In my opinion, these books, tests and this mission are more than just incredibly insightful and phenomenally useful. I see the truth in these books as high priority- some of the most important truth that a person should understand if they want to be happy and successful in this life.

I can't imagine going back to my understanding of the world before I read my first Buckingham book (The One Thing You Need to Know,) and if I tried to go back, it wouldn't work. I can't help seeing unique individuals.  I can't pretend I don't see recurring patterns of thought, feeling and behavior in the people around me, and I'm so grateful for that.

With all the confusion, uncertainty and sometimes almost blindingly fast paced innovation happening in the world these days, Marcus Buckingham has managed to achieve something truly significant that has incredible potential to bless his fellow men. Thank you, Mr. Buckingham, for the knowledge that you have shared with me through your work. I have thanked God in sincere prayer for what I have learned from your work, and I probably should have said more prayers like that.

-Stephen M Schraedel