Finding Your Unique Ability

While reading the book Traction, I was deeply intrigued by the idea of having "the right people in the right seats". I wondered how you can ensure you're making these decisions based on data rather than ego.  Traction recommends the book Unique Ability. I decided to give it a try to test the process and learn how objective it was.

The book provides three methods to find your Unique Ability:

1. Survey people you know (send an email to get a written reply to a single question)
2. Take the Kolbe A Assessment (determine your Mode of Operation or how you do things)
3. Take the StrengthsFinder Assessment (measure your natural talents)

I went through all of the above and had some very interesting results. As I step back and look at the patterns overall, I find it that all methods came out with a simliar response. There was a key pattern that emerged across all three.  

What's really interesting is that before I started all of this, I jotted down my thoughts on my Unique Ability. The first few things I wrote were spot on. So I already knew my answer before going through any of these exercises. However, going through these practices was a lot of fun and, in the end, helped me to know my Unique Ability with clear precision.  

It was a really fun journey and I highly recommend for you to give it a try! Hearing feedback from others was most enjoyable and helpful. I selected 5 of each type of person to give me a well-rounded view: family, coworkers, and friends. Both assessments gave me good information. If I had to recommend just one of the tests, I'd suggest StrengthsFinder.  It's a great tool that makes finding this information scalable and dependable.

My Unique Ability Results

Survey Results: 15 people replied with three main themes in the responses; in order

1. Ability to organize a lot of data into a unified, simple plan - and drive progress.
2. Determination to learn, deeply understand, apply, and teach.
3. Compassionate, positive energy.

Kolbe A Results: My standard mode of operation, how I do things (8-6-3-3); in order

1. Strategize - Gather all the info to understand cause, determine practical approach, and prioritize
2. Maintain - Look for ways to fit the project into the existing system
3. Stabilize - Advocate for what needs to stay the same
4. Envision - Visualize how it could work, ideal solutions

StrengthsFinder 2.0 Results: My Natural Talent (easiest to develop into strengths); in order 

1. Achiever - Work hard, productive
2. Learner - Love process of learning, continuously improve
3. Focus - Prioritize, act, stay on track
4. Connectedness - See links between things
5. Relator - Enjoy close relationships

Reference: 

• Traction by Gino Wickman
• Unique Ability by Catherine Noumra and Julia Waller, based on the concept created by Dan Sullivan.