Building Blocks: Working On Your Strengths
We all have strengths when applied in the workplace — we achieve successful outcomes that feel good. However, sometimes we are not aware of our strengths and what we can bring to the table. It takes some introspections and awareness to recognize your strengths, and even then, you may not be in tune with them. Using assessment tools and others, pointing out my strengths, gives me a greater understanding of what I am great at and what my strengths represent.
Have you ever thought, why do I always get the same type of assignment? Well, that’s a clear sign that one of your strengths is the work in that assignment. I am always being asked to step in and straighten things out when they’re not working within many areas in businesses that are having difficulties. I used to ask myself, why me? Why do I always get asked to come in and organize things in a way where they work? What I have come to understand is that I am exceptionally great at it. I also love doing it. I am at the place where I can immediately see the areas that are out of order, and within a few changes and the right systems in place, it all begins to move in harmony. Listening to your co-workers’ opinions about your strengths may help shift your perspective on how you feel or think about what you are good at professionally.
Also, I am a believer in the value of personality assessments for myself and my team. They help me understand who on my team can do all the things I don’t like to do or don’t want to do (most of the time, it is the same thing) — this helps the group stay fluid and not be hindered by one person holding the project up. What one person is good at, another won’t be, and vice versa, hence why having a diverse team of skills is vital for every team. Personality assessments help you hone in on strengths and highlight who you should have around you to produce an excellent work product.
When you know your strengths and your work product is designed to reach your greatest potential, you feel victorious because you are working in your strengths; you stay true to who you are as a professional. What makes me successful as a leader is when my team is successful, and we are meeting the desired outcome with ease. Having people operate to their strengths is one of my not so secret weapons that produce excellences in desired outcomes.
