Here's how you can harness your strengths for career success.
In the fast-paced world of career advancement, understanding and leveraging your strengths is crucial. You may often hear about the need for improvement in areas of weakness, but focusing on your strengths allows you to build a unique value proposition. As you ascend the career ladder, especially in leadership roles, the ability to identify what you excel at and align it with your tasks can set you apart from the competition and pave the way for career success.
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Jacqueline V. TwillieFounder & President @ZeroGap.co • Best-Selling Author • Resilient Leaders Program
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Harry KarydesI coach today's professionals to become tomorrow's leaders 🚀 | Certified High-Performance Coach.
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Rodrigo Miranda BeltránPartner & Managing Director <ISDI>. Startups Business Angel. IC-A member. Fundación Teaming Board of Trustees Member…
To harness your strengths for career success, begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment. Reflect on past experiences where you've excelled and felt most engaged. This could range from complex problem-solving to effective team management. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain an external perspective on your abilities. A clear understanding of your strengths is the foundation upon which you can build a successful career trajectory.
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Leadership development begins with self-awareness. To inspire others, you need to possess both expertise in your field and the ability to mobilize their energies into action. Continuous learning and feedback from mentors are also essential.
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An accurate self-assessment will enable you to comprehend your strengths and opportunities. I have discovered that depending on where you are in your career and your long-term objectives, it may be acceptable to prioritize focusing on your strengths and selecting a few key opportunities to develop. In addition, 360-degree feedback can prove beneficial for gaining perspectives from those who frequently collaborate with you. Identifying areas for improvement can sometimes be challenging, making this feedback mechanism an effective tool to bridge that gap and fill it.
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For a long time, I viewed my ability to see roadblocks (or speed bumps) as a negative trait. I worried that I was the Negative Nancy as its sometimes referred. But, once I realized that I could take that ability and pair it with a potential solution, this became my superpower. I now call this my ability to see around corners, to avoid the pitfalls, to build a plan that is robust. Find the way to turn your perceived weakness/shortcoming into your superpower. You've got a natural talent there. Harness it and find the good in it.
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I did, and still do, one thing exceptionally well. I harnessed one strength. Find yours, if you don’t grasp it already, and develop the heck out of it.
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"Denme un punto de apoyo y moveré al mundo". Arquímedes. ¿Cuál es ese punto de apoyo para nuestro éxito profesional? Las fortalezas. Para aprovecharlas, primero tienes que identificarlas. Hay pruebas psicométricas que pueden ayudarte. Pero aquí te doy algunas preguntas para descubrirlas. - Cuando otras personas dicen cosas buenas sobre tus capacidades, ¿qué es probable que digan? - ¿Qué características hay en ti que te hacen sentir realmente orgulloso/a? - ¿Qué llevas a cabo que al hacerlo te brinda placer genuino en la vida? Las investigaciones sugieren que el uso de las fortalezas está vinculado a niveles más altos de bienestar y éxito. ¡Aprovéchalas!
Once you've pinpointed your strengths, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that capitalize on them. For example, if you're adept at communication, you might aim to take on roles that require stakeholder engagement or public speaking. By setting goals aligned with your strengths, you can channel your efforts into areas where you're most likely to excel and find satisfaction.
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Map your strengths and be aware of your needs. This will allow you to either focus on developing your talents further or address your weakest aptitudes and knowledge areas through learning.
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Once you have a clear vision of your positive points, and I think even before that, set your goals, or if you prefer, make a statement for your future. Imagine yourself in the future and say how you are at that moment, both socially and professionally. From this vision of the future, you can set goals and paths to get there.
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Recognizing your strengths and setting SMART goals is a game-changer. It's like finding your true north. When you know what you're good at, you can aim for roles that make the most of your talents. Imagine how fulfilling it is to excel in something you love. Whether it's communication, leadership, or problem-solving, align your goals with what you're best at. You'll not only achieve great things but also find joy in the journey.
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### Estabeleça Metas Depois de identificar seus pontos fortes, defina metas INTELIGENTES (mensuráveis, alcançáveis, relevantes e limitadas no tempo) que os capitalizem. Por exemplo, se você é adepto da comunicação, estabeleça como objetivo assumir funções que exijam engajamento das partes interessadas ou falar em público. Definindo metas alinhadas com seus pontos fortes, você pode canalizar esforços para áreas onde tem mais probabilidade de se destacar e encontrar satisfação.
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7 Step to define your goals: 🎯 Clarify your vision: Clearly define what you want to achieve. 📅 Set specific deadlines: Assign realistic deadlines for each goal. 📊 Make them measurable: Quantify your progress and expected outcomes. 🌟 Ensure they are attainable: Define challenging yet achievable objectives. 🤔 Relevance: Ensure each goal aligns with your values and long-term objectives. 🔄 Review and adjust: Regularly assess your progress and adjust goals as needed. 📝 Document and communicate: Write down your goals and share them with a trusted person for accountability and support.
With your strengths and goals in hand, focus on further developing the skills that enhance your natural abilities. This might involve seeking out professional development opportunities, such as workshops or courses, that are tailored to your strengths. By continuously honing these skills, you ensure that you remain competitive and effective in your role, thereby maximizing your potential for career advancement.
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Leveraging tools like the Enneagram can significantly enhance your understanding and utilization of your inherent strengths. The Enneagram helps by providing detailed insights into your personality traits, pinpointing both your dominant strengths and potential pitfalls. For example, if your Enneagram type is the Achiever, you're likely driven and goal-oriented, qualities that can propel you towards success. However, the same traits might lead to burnout if not managed well. Understanding these dynamics allows you to balance your approach, ensuring you use your strengths effectively without overreaching, enabling you to develop strategies that capitalize on your strengths while mitigating risks, setting you up for sustained career success.
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You created a vision of the future and set goals. You've listed your strengths and, of course, your weaknesses or points for improvement. If your vision of the future is to spend time abroad and your English isn't up to scratch, task number 1: sign up for an English course or learning platform. And so with all the needs from today to the future.
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👧 Julieta: Do you know, Charlie, why discipline is so important when developing new skills? 👦 Charlie: Of course, Julieta. Discipline keeps us focused and consistent in our daily practices. What do you think? 👧 Julieta: I think it helps establish routines that reinforce continuous learning and constant improvement. 👦 Charlie: Exactly. It also helps us overcome challenges and maintain long-term motivation. 👧 Julieta: It's key to achieving our goals and becoming experts in what we do!
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Focusing on developing skills that complement your strengths is crucial. Seek workshops or courses tailored to enhance these abilities. Continuous improvement ensures competitiveness and effectiveness, maximizing your career advancement potential.
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Know what you're good at and what you want to achieve. Then, work on getting even better at those things. Find workshops or classes that help you grow your strengths. Always keep learning and improving. This way, you stay ahead and do your best in your job. By focusing on what you do well and making it even better, you open up more opportunities for success in your career.
Challenging yourself is key to growth, so look for opportunities that stretch your capabilities within your areas of strength. Taking on challenging projects or roles not only demonstrates your ambition but also allows you to apply and refine your strengths in new and demanding contexts. This proactive approach can lead to greater recognition and opportunities within your career.
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Learning to love the struggle is one of the best things you can do for your long-term success. Here's why: when you're struggling, you're forced to confront your weaknesses and learn new skills. This makes you stronger and better prepared for whatever life throws at you. It also builds character and resilience – two essential qualities for a successful person. So next time you're feeling down about a difficult situation, remind yourself that it's all part of the journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
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Leadership is not about what you know or what you do; it's about who you are. If you want to harness your strengths for career success challenge your mindset and beliefs but connecting with people in different communities and learning different view points. Think of at least one thing that you swore you would never would do and do that one thing. For example, I was adament that because I am an introvert that equates to not speaking in public. Once I realized that I had no evidence to support this claim, I joined a direct selling company to challenge myself to speak to strangers, ask for what I need, learn to sell and speak in public.
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There are unacknowledged previously existing challenges and also purposely chosen growth challenges. Having a good idea of both is important for creating a strategy for simultaneously dealing with both.
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🌟 Challenging oneself is essential for personal and professional growth. When we confront difficult challenges, we expand our limits and discover new skills and hidden capabilities. This process not only strengthens our confidence 💪 but also fosters resilience in the face of adversity 🌧️. By consistently accepting challenges, we keep our curiosity and motivation intact, driving our development towards higher levels of achievement and personal satisfaction. 🚀
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Seeking challenges within your strengths is pivotal for growth. Undertaking demanding projects or roles showcases ambition and refines your skills in novel contexts. This proactive approach often garners recognition and fosters career advancement.
Networking and building strong professional relationships are vital components of career success. Use your strengths to connect with others in meaningful ways. If you're a great listener, for example, leverage that skill to understand and help colleagues, which can foster trust and collaboration. Strong relationships can open doors to new opportunities and provide support as you navigate your career path.
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Your circle has a significant impact on your personal and professional growth. Building a network of success-minded individuals is essential if you want to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential. By surrounding yourself with people who share your values, beliefs, and ambitions, you can stay motivated, hold yourself accountable, and gain access to opportunities that would otherwise be closed. So, take action today and start building your network of success-minded individuals!
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Networking is essential for leadership development; it's impossible to do it alone. Whenever I teach or mentor, I share inspiration and become inspired in return.
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Use your strengths to connect with others in meaningful ways. For example, if you're a great listener, use that skill to understand and help your colleagues. This can build trust and teamwork. Strong relationships can lead to new opportunities and offer support as you grow in your career. Remember, success isn't just about what you know, but also who you know and how you make them feel. Connecting with others can make your journey more rewarding and enjoyable.
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🌟 Building genuine relationships is crucial both personally and professionally. These relationships are based on authenticity, empathy, and mutual respect, creating lasting and meaningful bonds. The importance lies in mutual support, effective collaboration, and a positive work environment. Three keys to achieving this include: - Actively listening to understand 🎧 - Being honest and transparent in interactions 🌟 - Showing genuine interest in others 💬. By cultivating genuine relationships, we strengthen solid networks that enrich our lives and careers.
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Absolutely! Leveraging strengths like active listening to build relationships is key. By understanding and supporting colleagues, you foster trust and collaboration, paving the way for new opportunities and invaluable support in your career journey.
Finally, make it a habit to regularly reflect on your career progress and how your strengths have contributed to your successes. This reflection not only reinforces a positive self-image but also helps you adjust your career path as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your strengths and goals. Continuous self-awareness is a powerful tool in maintaining career momentum and achieving long-term success.
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Ask any leader for an overview of their daily schedule, and you're likely to find a common theme: the ability to solve problems with limited time. This constant need to solve problems may indicate that there's little time to reflect on the intended impact of being a leader. However, the opposite is true: the more challenges you solve, the more important it is to take time to reflect on your values and the long-term impact you wish to have. Don't leave it up to chance to "find time" for reflection; schedule it with your leadership coach to create an extra layer of accountability and ensure it gets done.
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Purvi (Pinky) Gogoi
Carpediem!
(edited)In my experience, below are few things I follow: 1. Identify your key skills and achievements weekly 2. Set aside time to evaluate your progress and areas for improvement 3. Align your reflections with your career goals 4. Adapt and refine your strategies based on your insights
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Here's a couple of areas I encourage my clients to think about. These are what some of the most successful leaders do! Solicit feedback from colleagues, mentors, or even anonymous surveys to understand how others perceive your strengths and weaknesses. Take time for self-reflection. Consider situations where you felt energised and successful. What skills or qualities did you utilize?
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It's helpful to separate your strengths, weaknesses, and liabilities. Strengths are what you naturally do well and give you energy. Weaknesses are the things that you have to really work at in order to do them well or at the level that needs to be done. Liabilities are the weaknesses that actually HURT you. If you aren't good at math, that might just be a weakness. But if you can't do math well enough to keep up with your bills, now you have a liability. Enjoy your strengths. Make the most of them. Address your liabilities so they don't hurt you. Make peace with your weaknesses so they don't distract you.
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