"How do I find out my strengths?"
A simple method in 3 steps
Fotocredits: Lieblingslicht
Being able to clearly see and articulate our own strengths is often a challenge. On the one hand, this is due to cultural reasons – in many cultures, speaking positively about oneself is frowned upon. Furthermore, strengths can change, which leads to the question: when was the last time you did a strengths update?
Particularly conscientious people often find it difficult to recognize their own strengths and to voice them as such, as they constantly feel they are not yet 'good enough' in one area or another. To approach the topic of strengths analysis, a very simple method can help, which I would like to introduce to you here.
Step 1 - Collect answers to these three questions
Start with a piece of paper and a pen, or simply use a notes app on your phone. Give it a title, such as "My Strenghts Collection." From now on, you can return to this list whenever something new comes to mind. Now, write down the following three questions, leaving space for at least ten answers each:
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Question 1: What do people ask you to help them with "just quickly"?
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Question 2: What comes particularly easily to you?
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Question 3: What do you notice as a weakness in other people?
Here is some more information on each question:
Regarding Question 1: The answers to this question are quite powerful. Let’s briefly change perspective. If we think about who we ask for advice in which situation, it’s often not entirely random: we already know who can provide us with the quickest and most helpful solution to our problem. That’s why we ask that specific person and not a stranger at the local café. Something seems to qualify us as a "Go-To Woman" or a "Go-To Guy" for that topic. What do people ask you to help them with "just quickly"?
Regarding Question 2: If we are strong in a certain area, it likely feels easy to us. The stronger our muscles, the better our coordination, or the greater our ingenuity, the easier it is to carry the heavy grocery basket home. If we are strong at conjuring up a graphic, we might just do it on the side for a friend who is currently starting their own business. What comes particularly easily to you?
Regarding Question 3: We often perceive our own way of seeing things as "normal." However, it isn't; it is always subjective and shaped by our numerous experiences. If you notice something as a weakness in others, or if you get annoyed by something you would have done differently or wished were different, it reveals a value you hold that is important to you. A strength can grow out of such a value because you pay special attention to it—be it punctuality, accuracy, reliability, looking beyond the horizon, being open, tolerant, or compassionate... just to name a few examples. What do you notice? What would you often like to see differently in your fellow human beings?
The goal of part one
The goal for part one is to jot down points day by day until you have collected ten answers for each question. More is, of course, always possible—write down everything that comes to mind. Once we give a question space, more and more answers will emerge, and the list will keep growing. If you would like support or an external perspective, feel free to get in touch with me here for a Strengths Update.
"Why do we spend so much time preparing for the time when we can do what we want, instead of just doing it right now?"
— John in the book: The Why Café (by John Strelecky)
Step 2 - Filter Your Answers
Now you have a list of thirty points in front of you. During a strengths update, we often forget to ask ourselves which of these things we actually enjoy doing. Perhaps you have significantly developed a skill over the last few years because it was constantly in demand—but by now, you no longer have any interest in it. This should also be part of the analysis, because what good is a strength if it ultimately only causes you discomfort? That’s why it’s time to filter:
Which of these strengths truly and honestly still bring you joy?
Mark these points in a way of your choice: with a highlighter in your favourite colour, by underlining them, circling them, etc. Or, you can write these filtered points onto a separate sheet of paper so that you only have your "favourite strengths" in front of you.
Now, take a moment to look at them. What comes to mind regarding the points listed here? What examples can you think of? Where do doubts still remain?
Step 3 - Use Your Results
What can you do with the results now? The important part is: Do something with it. As long as you just leave this piece of paper lying around, nothing is going to change. So do yourself a favor and use your results for various next steps. Which ones? Here are a few ideas for you, I am sure you'll even find more if you start thinking about it :-)
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Incorporate the results into your CV – make your strengths visible there.
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Use your strengths in your next cover letter when applying for a job.
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Reflect on whether your strengths are already being utilised in your current job. If so, does it feel right for you? If not, consider having a conversation with your manager to better align your tasks with your strengths.
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Supplement this self-perception with external feedback: What is the external perception of you? You could start, for example, by asking friends or colleagues. You can also book a Strengths Update with me for a comprehensive strengths analysis.
In any case, you can now continue to work with your newly gained insights and bring more joy and ease into your life. I wish you much success and joy in the process!
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