When coaching, one of the questions people tend to struggle to answer is “what are your strengths”. We tend to be very good at identifying the key strengths of those around us, but find it difficult to do the same for ourselves. This inability to accept strengths can affect our confidence and resilience levels and stop us from developing our potential.
What stops us recognising our key strengths?
There are a variety of reasons which can affect our ability to recognise our key strengths;
1) We tend to be hard on ourselves and as a result don’t see ourselves as other people see us. Other people tend to view us through the prism of our accomplishments, whereas we see everything behind the scenes that lead to the outcome; things we start but don’t finish, the barriers we encounter along the way, the emotional turmoil we go through on the journey.
2) Our strengths are often things we take for granted. When we find something easy to do, we tend to dismiss it as not important, not very challenging and something everyone else will find equally easy.
3) We constantly compare ourselves to others. There are always people out there who we feel can do it better and quicker than us, so how can it be a strength for us?
4) Our strengths can also be things that we find difficult to do. If something constantly proves to be challenging and draining, how can it be a strength – surely if it was a strength we would find it easy!
5) Our strengths can also be viewed as a weakness, depending on the story we tell ourselves. For example, some people I work with describe themselves as stubborn, whereas others might see them as persistent and tenacious. We need to be aware of the labels we give ourselves.
How can we resolve this challenge?
The simple answer is to ask people whose opinion you value and trust for feedback. For example if you are updating your Linkedin profile, reviewing your CV or taking part in your company’s appraisal process you can ask people what they would say your 3 greatest strengths are and what is the one thing they think you should look to change/improve. If you have written down your own answers first and then ask 5 or 6 people you will get a cross section of views to compare against your own perceptions.
Another option if you are quick is to complete the Strengths Finder tool on the link below. high5test.com are offering a free assessment for all those who are interested in exploring their strengths. It is an ideal tool to use to identify your strengths and will give you a great overview of what you can offer and provide an opportunity to discuss with your line manager, coach or colleagues how you can best maximise on your strengths.
Here is the link: Free Strengths Test | Find Your Character Traits & Personality Types (high5test.com)
