Written by: Elin Byrén, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
With all the personality tests and career development resources out there ‒ it's easier than ever to get super clear on your strengths.
Still, when I speak to clients in especially junior roles and ask about their strengths, they aren't clear on how to communicate them. The spontaneous answers are often similar to this:
“I'm a good team player.” Or “I'm dependable and deliver on time.”
That's describing pretty much everyone, and it doesn't communicate who you are. After all, a major part of a strong professional brand is to know what your strengths are and how you deliver value. If you're not clear on your professional brand, chances are your colleagues and management also don't have a clear idea of who you are. And that holds you back in your career development.
So, how do you become crystal clear on your strengths? It requires a bit of work, but anyone can do it and I bet you it's well-invested time.
1. Do an inventory of your strengths and aspirations.
First, write down your current strengths. What makes you stand out compared to others in your team/ role/ department? Next, outline what you can develop further to reach your next career goal. These are aspirations, which are strengths in the making. Aspirations will align your professional brand towards your goals.
2. Take an online strength test.
Taking an online strength test helps you solidify your strengths, possibly uncover new ones, and you can get a deeper insight into your strengths and how to speak about them. There are several to choose from so try a free test, or take a paid one if you want to go really deep.
3. Get feedback from your manager on your strengths.
Tell your manager that you’re focusing on developing in your role, and ask them to give you in-depth feedback on your strengths, and your development areas. Don't skip this step.
Next, identify the gap of how you see yourself, vs. how your manager sees you. If there is a gap – don't get discouraged! Brainstorm what you can do to close the gap, and how you can develop your aspirational strengths to get you closer to your career goal. It's absolutely possible to change your professional brand over time if you have a clear picture of where you currently are, and how to close the gap to reach your goals.
Complete these three steps and you’ll get closer to your career goal every day.
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Elin Byrén, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Elin Byrén is a Career and mindset coach and the founder and CEO of Careers with Elin. With an M.Sc. Degree and background of 10+ years in the corporate world, she now uses her experience to support women to level up in their careers. Through her proven framework her clients learn the tools and the strategies to advocate for themselves and take charge of their careers, build confidence and clarity in the value they bring, and learn the step-by-step plan to reach their career aspirations. She advocates creating success on your own terms, working smarter and not harder to maximize results, and feeling great in the process.
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