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Publications & Resources

Kaiser, R.B. (2010, April). The Problem with the Strengths Fad. Symposium presented at the 25th Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Atlanta, GA.

Following a parade of popular books, a fad encouraging a focus on strengths has swept through mainstream media and into the management development industry. Its proponents promise a revolution where fulfillment and excellence can be found by maximizing what comes naturally, rather than worrying about those weaknesses that your pesky boss is concerned about. But a closer look at the “research support” reveals pseudoscience and a dearth of peer-reviewed studies. This session brings together statistical research, veteran consultants, and leading thinkers to expose some of the half-truths and hidden dangers in the seductively appealing strengths movement.

Robert B. Kaiser (Chair), Kaplan DeVries Inc.

  • Robert B. Kaiser & Darren V. Overfield, Kaplan DeVries Inc., STRENGTHS, STRENGTHS OVERUSED, AND LOPSIDED LEADERSHIP
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  • Guangrong Dai, Kenneth P. De Meuse, & King Yii Tang, Korn/Ferry Leadership and Talent Consulting, EXAMINING THE STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH FROM A PERSON-JOB FIT PERSPECTIVE
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  • Robert Hogan, Hogan Assessment Systems, LIVING WITH ONESELF VS. LIVING WITH OTHERS:  SELFISHNESS AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
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  • Randall P. White, Executive Development Group & Duke Corporate Education—London, THE STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH: FAD, FASHION, OR BEST PRACTICE?
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David B. Peterson, Personnel Decisions International, DISCUSSANT


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Consulting to CEOs
& Executive Teams
since 1992.
Kaplan DeVries Inc
1903-G Ashwood Ct
Greensboro, NC 27455 USA


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