Unlock Your Superpowers: Discover and Master Your Strengths!

I'm certain that at some point in your career, you have been asked "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" It might seem like a straightforward and simple question, but often, we find ourselves pondering what our true strengths are or struggling to articulate them effectively. That is what we are going to delve into this week - discovering your strengths and turning them into your superpowers!

The first part of this article aims to help you identify your strengths and deepen your understanding of what you excel at. In the second part, we'll explore how to leverage these strengths, turning them into your superpower at work.

The debate on whether to focus on strengths or weaknesses is ongoing, with differing schools of thought. Some advocate working on your weaknesses, while others suggest capitalizing on your strengths. My view is that while it's possible to work on both simultaneously, it's generally more productive, prudent, and wise to concentrate on areas where you naturally excel, as this often yields the highest returns.

For clarity, let's define some terms. Note that these are my personal definitions of strengths, opportunities and weaknesses. Strengths are the traits, characteristics, talents, and skills that come naturally to you. These could be innate abilities or skills developed over time. Opportunities, on the other hand, are potential strengths that you may not have fully explored or developed yet. Weaknesses are areas where, despite your best efforts, progress seems slow or negligible.

In previous articles, I've shared how my journey of self-discovery is a continuous process. A significant moment was when I attended a leadership planning session at HSBC. Our Philippine Head / Center Manager and my boss at the time, Carlo Jose , introduced us to "StrengthsFinder" by Tom Rath. This book, which includes an assessment to identify your strengths, was a revelation to me. It helped me understand why I gravitated towards certain tasks and succeeded in specific projects. The insights I have gained about myself have been invaluable, and I've since focused on enhancing these strengths.

If you're interested in taking a similar journey, there are several reputable tests available online. I recommend Gallup's "StrengthsFinder 2.0" and the "High5 Strengths Test." By the way, this not a sponsored newsletter :).

While Gallup's CliftonStrengths Test is not free, it provides more detailed information about yourself in 34 different areas. I'm not going to share the link here to avoid confusion, but if you are curious about the test, you may visit their website.

Alternatively, the High5 Strengths Test offers a free assessment that also identifies your top five strengths. It provides definitions and descriptions of what those strengths are. Exploring these resources can provide you with significant insights into your abilities, helping you to harness your strengths effectively in your professional life.

https://high5test.com/

Uncovering Your Strengths

The test takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, so please take it during your free time. Avoid rushing and consider each statement carefully. When responding to these types of tests, it's important not to think about what the "right" answer might be. Instead, focus on what you would actually do in the given situation. This approach will help ensure that your results truly reflect your natural tendencies and strengths.

Below is a result of the free test I took. As you can see, it lists my core strengths. Clicking the drop down arrow provides you with a more in-depth description of the said strength.

You have the option to upgrade and if you do, you will see 20 strengths categorized as focus, leverage, navigate, and delegate. It also contains full description of each of the themes, including watch-outs, how to use effectively, best partners, and many more.

Having taken both the CliftonStrengths and High5 Strengths Tests, I had the chance to identify common strengths theme. Despite different terminologies used in each test, the descriptions closely align. My key strengths revolved around: brainstormer and catalyst, futuristic, relator and empathizer, and a strong inclination towards winning and competition.

These results helped explain my affinity for creative work and innovative, big ideas. They also shed light on why I thrive in competitive environments, such as rankings and contests. Moreover, the tests validated my natural ability to connect easily with people, affirming that these strengths are significant aspects of my professional persona.

Harnessing Your Superpowers

Now that you've identified your strengths, it's time to leverage them and transform them into your superpowers at work.

For instance, knowing that I thrive on big ideas highlights the importance of engaging in various creative projects. Whether these are personal passion projects or work-related tasks, staying creative is key to maintaining my motivation. If I find myself stuck in routine work, I use my knack for innovation to spot opportunities or gaps that I can address by creating something new. This not only keeps me engaged but also adds value to my role and the organization.

In another scenario, when I'm joining a new organization, my ability to connect with people can be a tremendous asset. From day one, I utilize this strength to forge strong relationships. Building connections is often just as crucial, if not more so, than technical expertise in fostering a successful career. By establishing meaningful relationships early, you set a solid foundation for collaboration and support, enhancing your impact and success in the new environment.

Here are some additional practical exercises that you can do to harness your strengths:

• Strength: Communicator/Communication. If your strength is in the area of communication and you are regarded as a great communicator, use this strength to lead meetings, presentations, and team projects effectively. Communicate complex ideas clearly to ensure team alignment and motivation. Volunteer for roles that require liaison with other departments or stakeholders, positioning yourself as a crucial link within your organization.

• Strength: Analyst. Apply your analytical skills to interpret data and trends, which can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in processes. Spearhead initiatives that involve data analysis, predictive modeling, or market research to create value and enhance decision-making in your workplace.
• Strength: Coach. Leverage your coaching skills to develop the talents and skills of team members. Act as a mentor to newer or less experienced employees, helping them to grow professionally and personally. Implement regular development sessions and feedback loops that create a nurturing environment, boosting team morale and productivity.
• Strength: Thinker. Utilize your capacity for deep thought to provide strategic insights and solutions to complex problems. Lead research and development efforts or strategic planning sessions. Your ability to think through scenarios and anticipate challenges can be crucial for setting long-term goals and preparing the company for future trends and changes.

In conclusion, mastering your strengths is not merely an act of self-recognition—it is a strategy for personal and professional transformation. By identifying and nurturing your unique abilities, you position yourself to excel in environments that value and require those strengths. Just as a superhero fine-tunes their powers to face new challenges, you too must continuously develop your skills, ensuring they remain sharp and effective. Embrace the journey of self-discovery with enthusiasm, for it is by leveraging your superpowers that you will not only achieve but exceed your goals, making an indelible impact in your career and beyond.

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