Read time: 4 minutes
I've done quite a few speaking gigs recently, and had some really nice and encouraging feedback.
One person commented that in the same way some people can sing really beautifully and effortlessly, others can speak. That made me smile. It isn't something I'd ever considered a 'talent'. Technically, anyone can speak.
But sometimes other people recognise strengths in us that we don't really notice in ourselves. We're usually better at seeing our weaknesses than what we're good at.
but your greatest advantage might not be something you need to build from scratch. It could be something you're already doing without realising how valuable it is.
1. What comes really easily to you?
Most of us are too quick to dismiss the things that are easy for us; I know I've been guilty of this. It could be anything: organising chaos, making people feel comfortable, finding solutions to hard problems.
It feels easy, so you assume it can't be that valuable. But one thing I've learnt is that ease and value are two very different things.
A question: What do you find easy that other people often struggle with?
2. What do people keep asking you for help with?
People see our strengths before we do. Think about the questions and requests that come to you repeatedly.
Maybe you're the person people ask to review their presentations, help them make the right financial decisions, or create a killer sales strategy.
I often get asked for help with building a personal brand, or communicating something clearly. If it happens a lot, it's probably telling you something.
Ask yourself: What do people rely on you to help with?
3. What combination of skills makes you different?
I truly think you don't have to be exceptional at just one thing; sometimes it's a combination that's interesting. The clinician who understands data. Or the technical person who is amazing at sales. Or the founder with really clear communication.
My own combination spans medicine, strategy, entrepreneurship, writing and speaking. An unusual mix to say the least, but one that gives me a perspective I wouldn't have gained through any one of those experiences alone.
Ask yourself: What skills or experiences do you have that don't usually go together?
4. What work gives you the most energy?
Being good at something doesn't mean you enjoy doing it. I learnt that the hard way. A good habit is to pay attention to what you naturally gravitate to.
The chats you find most interesting or the task you can spend hours on without watching the clock. Usually there's a pattern. In my experience, finding work that brings together your strengths + your interests is the jackpot.
A question: What leaves you feeling energised rather than drained?
5. What has your experience taught you?
Your skills aren't the only thing that makes you valuable.
The experiences you've had shape how you think, make decisions and understand other people. And as I've mentioned before, my most useful lessons have almost all come from things that did not go to plan.
Leaving medicine, building a business, experiencing setbacks. They've all given me a perspective I wouldn't otherwise have. And that influences how I approach problems and support others.
Ask yourself: What have you been through or learnt that could be useful to others?
The takeaway
It's not really about needing another qualification, new skill or dramatic career change to become more 'valuable'. Often we just need to recognise what we already bring.
The things that come naturally.
The problems people ask you to solve.
The experiences that have shaped how you think.
There's probably more there than you give yourself credit for. And once you recognise it, you can start using it much more intentionally.
Speak soon,
Dupé
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