Do you wish you had more progression at work? Maybe you would like more recognition for your contributions? Are you making the most of your talents at work? I ask because I speak to folks in coaching sessions who want more but feel shy about shouting about their talents and strengths. I mean, how are you going to get noticed if you don’t let yourself shine?
Identifying your talents
The first thing to do is to identify and acknowledge your talents. What are you good at? What makes you feel good? It might be a big thing, it might be a small thing. If you are really struggling to think about what you’re good at then I would encourage you to ask your friends and family what they think you’re good at. Consider the things you love to do outside of work too.
Once you have identified your talents you need to share them – in your own way, that fits with your values.
Sharing your talents
In the workplace there are a number of things you can do:
- Look for any gaps you feel that your talents might fill – think about projects you could support or even lead
- Talk to your boss about your strengths so that you can make sure you’re using them effectively
- Come up with a plan on how you want to develop your talents at work
- Consider how you’re using your talents currently and whether that is enough for you – if not, what would ‘enough’ look like for you?
- Think about where you can collaborate with others
- Where can you use those talents in a different way e.g. if you are artistic but work in an admin role – where can you use that creativity?
Remember that this isn’t about being big-headed, this is about making the most of the opportunities that are available to you.
Using your talents to serve others
When you concentrate on your strengths, it brings more fulfilment and it helps you progress. It’s also not just beneficial to yourself, it’s also beneficial to others. Whether your talents are practical and you are able to make things for others or you’re a good listener and you enable others to feel heard or maybe your talents are the ability to organise or see the bigger picture, you can help those around you.
Think about the effect you can have on your colleagues and the impression you make on them and to others… it would be a shame to waste them!
If work isn’t a place you can fully use your talents then there are other options. You may choose to use your talents outside of work too – think about volunteering and your hobbies.