Jim Harter

Jim Harter is an acclaimed author who has written several groundbreaking books about personal and professional development. He is best known for his book, StrengthsFinder 2.0, which has become an international best-seller after its release in 2007.

Harter was born in Oregon in 1954 and graduated from the University of Oregon in 1976. He went on to earn a master's degree and a doctorate, both in counseling psychology. Following this, Harter held various occupations, including roles as a school psychologist, family therapist, college professor, and corporate consultant.

In 2000, Harter's career shifted focus when he joined the Gallup organization. At the time, Leadership Guru Tom Rath was the company's director of research while the late Don Clifton, the founder of Strength-Based Psychology, was still alive and shaping the organization's approach. Harter worked as an editor and research analyst at Gallup where his expertise in the field of psychology allowed him to identify the top five themes of real-world performance: Self-Assurance, Communication, Execution, Influencing, and Relationship Building.

These five elements later became the basis of his best-selling book, StrengthsFinder 2.0, which is intended to help people find out the things they are naturally good at and how to best use their innate strengths. Examples of these five skills featured in the book include: Self-Assurance (responding to a challenge with courage); Communication (expressing ideas effectively); Execution (achieving results); Influencing (motivating others); and Relationship Building (building strong relationships with others). StrengthsFinder 2.0 has become a favorite of many influential leaders, including Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Tom Hanks, who all appreciate the book's message.

Harter has written three other books. These include Now, Discover Your Strengths, Well Being: The Five Essential Elements, and The Promise of Reinvention: Mastering Change at Any Age. Now, Discover Your Strengths is a companion to StrengthsFinder 2.0 and explains how individuals can use their strengths and talents to address their weaknesses and take advantage of their potential. Well Being: The Five Essential Elements combines the combination of mental, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational aspects to support overall wellbeing. Harter's latest book, The Promise of Reinvention: Mastering Change at Any Age, is a guide about life transitions and how to reinvent yourself for a sustained period of increased success.

Jim Harter is one of the most influential authors in the personal and professional development field. He believes that understanding and applying your natural strengths can maximize your potential and increase your performance. His books are based on rigorous scientific research and offer tangible steps that can be taken to make positive and lasting change. Jim Harter has changed the lives of many readers, allowing them to build on their existing strengths and move forward with confidence.