From quirks to career moves

Ever been told you’re a perfectionist, or maybe that you’ve got a gift for spotting the tiniest details? Personally, I am obsessed with using exactly the right word or making sure my emails are grammatically flawless. Guess what? Those quirks aren’t just personality traits— they could potentially become secret weapons in the workplace.

“There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.”– Edgar Allan Poe

Embrace your inner quirk: precision, and the time wizard

Let’s talk about those of us who can’t rest until every comma is in place and every sentence has to be crystal clear. While some might dismiss it as obsessive, this attention to detail is invaluable, especially when you need to communicate complex ideas succinctly. Whether it’s drafting a request for the marketing team (hellooooo) or outlining a project plan, your ability to express yourself clearly and accurately ensures that nothing gets lost in translation.

Think about it: when you’re working with another team, the last thing you need is a message that’s muddled or open to interpretation. No one likes long-winded emails that take forever to decipher; your knack for getting straight to the point is a rare and highly appreciated skill.

By articulating exactly what you need—using even the right terminology and a linear, structured approach—you save time, reduce misunderstandings, and make everyone’s job easier. For example, “aesthetics” for a web site will most probably be perceived as “design elements”, i.e. layouts, colors, fonts, imagery. If you need to lead someone’s attention to the structure, well, guess what, you need to get acquainted with terms such as “tone of voice” ?? and "user experience".

Finally, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the middle of the room: breaking a process into small, tiny steps comes natural to you, even in times of crisis. This feature, alongside having a 360o view of the company’s operations can timely detect (or project) the potential effects of a change in your line of work on other people. Moreover, your ability to wrangle chaos into concrete plans makes you a project manager's dream. Remember the last time a loved one had to be hospitalized? Didn't you immediately have a plan on priorities etc? Well, you're not just tidy, you're a task-taming titan. Within this spectrum, a friend of mine is sickly in love with lists. Well for her, this isn't just a hobby; it's a superpower. I often get amazed with her work in event management, when coordinating details to ensure that everything run smoothly. Let others watch as you turn to-do lists into done-and-dusted victories, channeling your inner Dr. Strange as you bend time to your will.

The perks of being a chameleon

Flexibility is the name of the game in today’s work environment. If you’ve got a sharp analytical mind that dissects every problem with precision, you’re already ahead of the curve. But what if you could combine that with your talent for clear, concise communication? You’d be unstoppable.

Imagine starting out in a role focused on data analysis. Your attention to detail and your ability to articulate findings clearly might soon land you in strategy meetings, where your insights can guide decisions across departments. Or maybe you’re in operations, but your penchant for precision and your ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly make you the perfect candidate for leading cross-functional projects. This ability to pivot roles not only showcases your versatility but also positions you as a key player in solving the company’s toughest challenges. Your strategic mind is a boardroom blockbuster.

Moreover, real-life experiences and your “born with” tendency to listen to people or the news, could easily turn you into a Sherlock Holmes, just without the cape. Your knack for dissecting issues and combining data from totally different sources or domains could make you the go-to problem crusher. I love these people who manage to interpret something they learnt or heard from another industry into their daily work, since they are the ones who see the forest for the trees and the future in the present.

The highs of turning your talents loose

Leveraging your personal attributes isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about finding joy in the work you do. There’s a deep satisfaction that comes from knowing your obsession with accuracy or your gift for structured thinking is helping drive the business forward. Whether it’s making sure every detail is spot-on or ensuring that your communication is so clear it can’t be misinterpreted, you’ll find that applying these talents leads to both professional success and personal fulfillment.

Moreover, by consistently delivering work that’s both precise and well-communicated, you build a reputation as someone who can be relied on for quality and clarity. This kind of personal brand is invaluable—it can lead to more interesting projects, greater responsibility, and recognition from management. Plus, when your colleagues know they can count on you to express ideas clearly and get straight to the point, you’ll find your influence growing across the organization.

Confession time

I do not like surprises (control issues? Yes!), I ‘ve been often called a “grammar nazi”, and constantly make pop culture references to convey what I mean in the most accurate or “widely understood” way possible. Finally, I often place bets with myself on how many “easter eggs” I will discover on my own in a movie. (a little red devil whispers in my ear: "tell the truth, you do it constantly".)

Yet, as most things in life, not everything comes as wished or expected. So, my “quest for perfection”, “raising the bar high” and other “control issues” could in the end become a productivity hack. An eye for the tiny stuff has helped me a lot of times to turn flaws into footnotes and errors into exceptions. Moreover, I see my love for routine as a recipe for reliability, as a potential steady hand in a chaotic world.

So, here are my 5 cents:

1. Own your quirks - whether it’s your obsession with grammar or your need to structure everything logically.
2. Scout for opportunities- look for chances to apply your talents, especially in cross-departmental aspects. If there’s a need for precision, whether in data or in messaging, jump in. If you think there is a need for re-working your organization's “way of doing things”, get involved with ISO, it will turn your world upside down!
3. Talk yourself up - let others know how skills like clear communication and attention to detail can benefit the team.
4. Sharpen the saw – as we grow old(er), we do need to ensure that our talents remain sharp and relevant. It’s just like maintaining a driving license – you need to get tested after a certain time.
5. Embrace the pivot and try to be open to roles that allow you to combine, for example, your analytical mind with your communication skills. Personally speaking, I never thought that the “business development” role could be that challenging and exciting!

“Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself.”– Luna Lovegood (from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling)

All in all, in a world where everyone’s trying to fit into a mold, it’s our unique traits and talents that set us apart. By leaning into what makes you different—whether it’s an eye for detail, a love of precise language, or a bit of OCD.

Personally, I often think of David Beckham, who has openly discussed his struggles with OCD, particularly his obsession with symmetry and organization. I could not help but wonder on the vital role this might have on how he approached his career in sports and business. Perhaps, his need for perfection and order translated into an incredible, as his teammates have stated, work ethic on the field, making him one of the most disciplined and meticulous players of his time. Off the field, these same traits might have helped him transition into a successful business career, with ventures in fashion, sports management and more.

So, embrace your quirks, dive into challenges, and let your talents lead the way. Whether you’re solving problems, crafting the perfect email, or guiding a team with crystal-clear instructions, your unique attributes are your ticket to success. The next big opportunity might just be waiting for you to communicate it clearly and concisely.

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