We are deeply grateful to our clients who, by seeking their own strengths, contributed to this work more than they know.

We appreciate the seminal work of the Gallup organization, which has been highly instrumental in bringing strengths to the forefront.

You have been spared from our incomplete explanations and blunders due to the brilliance of our amazing guest readers! They provided us with insights and perspectives that significantly improved the book. For your time and wisdom, we thank Jamie Bails, LaNae Barber, Donna Billings, Joan Cameron, Steve Camkin, Mary Cary Crawford, Carolyn Esky, Janet Janke, Kathy Kram, Gretchen Rawdon, Teresa Rozic, David Sigetich, and Lois Vallerga.

In addition to our readers, we had others on our support team who bolstered and encouraged us, and also made us get out and play every once in a while! We very much appreciate Jan Baker, Cindy Clemens, Martha Ham, Darci Hansen, Kayla Koeber, Stephanie Martini, Nancy Obymako, Jane Oliver, Mary Ronnow, Charlene Rynders, The Juice Group, and the Wild Women.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge our “silent partner” Beryl Rullman, who read—red pen in hand—every single page of this book in nearly every iteration along the way. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude, and a box of red pens!