johnmdemarco posted on January 23, 2010 04:42
I’ve been a huge fan and practitioner of key self-awareness assessment tools such as StrengthsFinder; DiSC; and Myers-Briggs. I think that each tool gives individuals a framework and a vocabulary for honing in on their natural talents and predispositions, with suggestions and resources for intentionally fine-tuning a very relevant skill set and thriving in a vocation and across life.
This morning, however, I woke up with the thought of how important it is to be able to articulate your core strengths beyond popular assessment jargon—and to keep it simple and succinct. In an economic era where positions are extremely competitive and attention spans more limited than ever, I think it is imperative to identify and articulate three core strengths with a few associated behaviors that quickly help someone discern:
- What you can do extremely well, and
- The exact context in which you are best positioned to thrive
The terminology and examples from the assessment tools are part of the hard work and research that goes into this cumulative self-awareness and articulation process of drilling down to what I call your “Big 3” strengths. Speaking beyond assessment jargon is, I believe, a critical thinking skill and the next evolution in your professional development. The assessment results become a springboard rather than a box into which you must fit.
As an example, here is my current shot at articulating my own “Big 3” strengths:
1. Communication
Key Associated Behaviors:
- Coaching
- Consulting
- Facilitating/Speaking/Training
- Leveraging social media
- Writing
2. Relationship Building
Key Associated Behaviors:
- Active listening
- Collaboration for mutual benefit
- Leveraging of Communication and Strategic Thinking strengths
- Networking
- Servant leadership approach
3. Strategic Thinking
Key Associated Behaviors:
- Big picture understanding and articulation
- Development of execution and progress-to-plan framework
- Goal identification and articulation
- High-Level strategy development
- Tactical drill-down
Consider this framework or one similar, then, for brainstorming your “Big 3” today. Practice articulating it to a family member, friend or colleague and receive some balanced feedback you can apply to make your understanding and expression of your strengths even more on target.