In this competitive world we live in today; it’s crucial to harness our innate abilities to achieve professional success. In this article, I share my unique perspective on boosting your career by understanding your strengths and enhancing self-awareness.
Embracing the power of self-awareness to optimize our strengths is a transformative journey that unlocks our true potential and propels us toward unparalleled career growth.
An unexpected question in a performance review
One question particularly caught my attention during a performance review with a former employer: “What methodology do you use to do such great work?” The inquiry complimented my contribution towards securing a complicated deal, despite juggling multiple roles.
My response was simple: I didn’t follow a specific methodology. Instead, I applied a combination of project management techniques, relevant training, and past experience to respond swiftly to dynamic demands. This strategy was based on utilizing my natural talents over learned skills, a realization that dawned upon me gradually during my career.
From realization to transformation
This awakening led me to a critical decision – to channel my efforts toward honing my natural talents and delegate tasks that were not within my strengths. Considering my professional journey was dotted with mistakes and missed opportunities, it wasn’t an easy decision. However, this decision sparked an introspective journey toward self-awareness.
Through targeted coaching and mentoring, I acknowledged my blind spots and developed the understanding to elevate my professional conduct. Recognizing my natural talents was a revelation, and according to a Gallup survey, individuals who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged at work. Therefore, I highly recommend others seek this revelation for their career advancement.
The power of teamwork and sharing responsibilities
I was fortunate to be part of a team that understood the benefits of sharing responsibilities. I did tasks for my colleagues that they didn’t excel at while they did functions that came more naturally to me. This approach enabled us to excel in our respective areas of expertise and maximize our natural talents. It also helped build a strong team that supported one another.
Identifying natural talents: A step towards success
Frequently, individuals hop between jobs, hunting for the perfect fit. However, enhancing self-awareness and understanding your strengths can bolster relationships and give you a competitive edge. A personal strengths profile assessment like TRIPA offers a comprehensive 360° psychographic view, aiding individuals to illuminate their strengths and set themselves apart from their peers.
For those who wish to explore self-awareness and talent management further, please dive into some of our related articles here. You may also be interested in the article “The importance of goal setting and planning for success.”
Make the invisible visible
In the process of understanding and managing your talent, you can truly “make the invisible visible.” By recognizing and leveraging our innate strengths, we can become more self-aware and more successful in our professional lives.