We all have unique gifts and talents. We’re really good at certain things and not so good at others. I will never be an opera singer, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, or an engineer. Those just aren’t my strengths.
Trying to be something you were not cut out to be can be frustrating, demoralizing, and in many cases a waste of time. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t attempt to grow and learn and become everything you were meant to be. It means you should honor and lead with your strengths.
Grab a sheet of paper and make two columns. In the left column list at least ten of your strengths, talents, gifts, skills – the kind of things that come naturally to you. They may be such a part of you that you’ve never really thought of them as strengths before.
In the right column, indicate which aspects of your business lend themselves well to that particular strength. For instance, if you said that one of your strengths is that you “listen well” than the parts of your business that are best served by that strength might be “talking directly with customers” and “networking events.”
Maybe you have strengths that don’t seem to have a matching business area. This is where you can get creative and develop a business way of showcasing that strength, talent, or skill.
Let’s say one of your strengths (and passions!) is “cooking.” At first glance, you might think that has nothing to do with your business….and you’re probably right! At first. But what if you answered this question,
“How can I best showcase my talent and love of cooking in my business?”
You might decide to combine a teleseminar on “Feeding Your Passion” with a cooking class. Or tailor a newsletter to use cooking type words, themes, and symbols. Maybe you add the word “spicy” to your marketing materials or use cooking utensils as props in your live speeches.
You will always do better by leading with your strengths than by trying to do something you were not designed to do. Yes, you can work on your weaknesses but you’ll likely just get “better” weaknesses. Why not play to your strengths and enjoy the process at the same time?
Take charge!
Ann Vertel
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Dearest Ann.
Great Post. Lead with you strength and your passion. I am a true believer in your message.
Finding out your passion and following it. That is all the career advice you will ever need.
Thanks for the powerful message.
Lolly
Lead From Within