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In my coaching work, I offer an array of assessments that tackle critical issues for professional success. Surprisingly, I've found that a large percentage of the mid-career men and women I work with don’t have answers to the most revealing questions, or even a vague clue. A recent quiz revealed that more than 40% of all of the 6,500+ respondents (men and women from a wide range of roles, functions and industries) answered "No" to these questions:
“I have a pathway for attaining the leadership, managerial and compensation level I want in my work.” (57% said No)
“My work interests me a great deal, and I feel there is enough content there of interest to sink my teeth into for the foreseeable future.”(41% said No)
“I feel that my work is meaningful and I am making the impact I want to, in my organization, community and the world.” (47% said No)
“I know how to promote myself, my work and my accomplishments, in a way that feels good, appropriate, and produces great, positive results.” (49% said No)
“I’ve evaluated the various directions I could take with my career and professional skills – including corporate life, independent work, consulting, private practice, start up, entrepreneurial, etc. – and I understand which direction suits me the best at this time.” (44% said No)
“I have at least one role model for my professional life, and learn from this individual about how to craft a career that’s successful to me.” (45% said No)
The question that baffles more people than any other is this one: “What are you great at?” I’m still surprised at how many professionals simply don’t know. They can’t identify their top skills, or what they bring to the table that others don’t. The problem with this vagueness and lack of understanding is that if you don’t know what you’re great at, you won’t be great – you simply won’t have the clarity, confidence, courage or connections to build a rewarding, successful career or business that will satisfy you over the long arch of your life.
Why? Because building a great career that brings satisfaction, reward and financial success requires a number of critical things. First, it demands that you know how you want to be of service in the world, and what you’re passionate about. And it demands that you develop an expertise that will serve others. Each day I grow more sure of one thing: it is our passion projects that fuel fabulous work. Those who support their professional efforts with passion and commitment are those who believe their careers and livelihoods are a blessing – allowing them to make at true difference in the world. These are the folks who jump out of bed in the morning to get working. (Look at Bill Gates' new passion project and you’ll see what I mean.)
But we don’t have to be a billionaire to make a difference in the world through our work. Ordinary people are doing extraordinary things every minute, but only because they know what matters to them, what they’re great at, and how they want to use that greatness to help the world.
Further, if you don’t know what you’re great at, you can’t advocate for yourself strongly enough. Your communication style and the way you present your requests, projects and ideas will be limp and unconvincing. Not knowing what you’re great at also means you’re more likely to be taken advantage of in the workforce – undervalued, underutilized, and undercompensated. If you don’t know your own worth and value in the world, you’ll underestimate the power and importance of your work and your contributions, and so will everyone else.
How can you figure out what you’re great at?
Answer these 10 questions as a start:
1. What have been the 10 greatest accomplishments and achievements you’ve made in a) school, b) each job you’ve held, and 3) your personal life?
2. What about your personal history, upbringing, family life, culture, etc. has given you a unique perspective on life?
3. Think about the EARLY you – What did you absolutely love to do (natural talents, hobbies, activities, passions, interests, etc.)?
4. What comes easily and naturally to you that others struggle with?
5. What has made teachers, parents, friends and colleagues remember and praise you?
6. Has there been one defining moment or period in your life (positive or negative) that significantly shaped your future?
7. What values do you hold dear? (Check out this great Values Assessment from the CT Women’s Business Development Center to help)
8. What are the areas in which you’ve received special training?
9. What do you love doing and being?
10. Where have you make the biggest difference in someone’s life?
Take a week to think about these questions, and write down your answers as deeply and thoroughly as possible. Then take a good long, hard look at your work. Is it a good match with who you really are and what makes you special and great? If not, do something about it.
It’s not arrogant or selfish to recognize and appreciate that you have greatness inside of you . Just the opposite. When you leverage and use your greatness to help others, you’re finally making the difference you’re meant to. The success and fulfillment you long for will come to you only when you can recognize greatness in yourself and share it.
For more information, take my Career Success Readiness Quiz and Amazing Career Challenge.
