Knowing your strengths in the workplace and how to use them can make a great difference in your work and career. Using your strengths in your work increases your chances of staying engaged. Naturally, this positively impacts your performance, productivity, and job satisfaction. Unfortunately, many people still struggle to identify their strengths in the workplace. If this defines you, you have come to the right place. Read on to discover how to effectively identify and use your strengths in the workplace.
Ways To Identify And Use Your Strengths In The Workplace
Employees can identify and use their strengths in the workplace in various ways. Take your time to look for what suits you most. Below are a number of ways you can consider.
1. Think About Your Interest
Suppose you do something you enjoy most; it becomes easier for you to hone your skills in that area. You can then develop these skills into your key strengths. Take ample time to think more about your interests and use your free time to practice them. Do this as you pay additional attention to the broad skills you use in your daily activities.
Even though some people are naturally talented in specific areas, some develop their strengths with time. Having a proper understanding of your interests and natural talents can allow you to determine where you need more effort to be an expert.
For instance, if you are highly interested in drawing, you can develop creativity, patience, and attention to detail. Such strengths are applicable in different workplace situations like graphic design, education, and administrative work. Appreciating tasks that another person does not like is a strength on its own. Thus, pursuing your special interests and talents is an amazing way of identifying your positive attributes in the place of work.
2. Consider Taking A Personal Test
Taking a personal test comes with a number of benefits. For instance, a test can help you recognize the areas you are already successful. Besides, the test will help you identify your aptitude for activities and skills you have yet to experience. Gladly, you can use numerous personality tests to identify your strengths at the workplace. The trial allows you to take the best career path that suits your interests and natural talents.
Note that personal tests mainly focus on your interpersonal strengths, like your leadership style. This is much helpful to you if you love working with others and want to be more intentional in your place of work interactions. Use the test results to learn how your strengths can complement your colleagues to help build a strong professional network.
3. Identify Your Most Productive Times
Another helpful way you can use to identify your strength in your workplace is to pay attention to when you are most productive. When handling your daily chores at your workplace, consider making a note of the time it takes to handle each task. Furthermore, take note of how productive you are at the moment.
If, by doing so, you feel as though time is passing very fast and, at the same time, you are accomplishing a lot in a short time, that is a clear indication that is where your strength is. Now, consider making a well-detailed list of when you focus the most intently. Moreover, try to pen down the characteristics that motivate you during that time. After doing so, you realize those tasks take longer to complete. Think about how you can actively grow those skills. Alternatively, reflect on how you can circumvent the situation.
4. Ask For Feedback
It is sometimes tricky for employers to tell their employees what areas they need to improve. However, it is wise to know your weaknesses at your place of work and turn them into strengths. If not your employer, look for a senior member in your workplace and ask them to give you feedback on your work performance. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
As you seek feedback, make sure you ask open-ended questions. Also, request clarity to help you identify your weaknesses and strengths. When you ask for feedback from a close person at your workplace, you can quickly identify your strengths. Besides, you are in a better position to improve your weaknesses. If you wish, you can ask your supervisor to help you set goals based on your strengths. Ensure to focus on the strengths that positively impact your productivity and growth at work.
5. Review Your Job Responsibilities
You can also identify your strengths at the place of work by reviewing your responsibilities. Job responsibilities are the duties you are accountable for completing often. In general, your job duties redirect your strengths. Remember, your employers have given you the task because they know you can perform them perfectly.
As you think more about your job responsibilities, take your time to look for the common strengths needed. For instance, if you are a marketing assistant, your major duties include writing content across social media platforms, organizing and coordinating events, and developing new marketing approaches. You can tell from the above job duties that your strengths are problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail.
6. Note Areas You Ask For Help
A lot of people think that asking for help on something is a sign of weakness. But this is not the case. This portrays your strength. It depicts that you are confident enough and self-aware to know when need be. When you have too much or need to know precisely what you want, asking for help is a strength. If you are still in doubt, view it this way. Asking for help in your work is an intelligent way of taking control of what is happening. In addition, it turns a potential negative into a positive learning experience.
Paying attention to the work areas where you ask for help can give you a lot of insights into your strengths. If you realize you are always loaded with work, that is a weakness, not a strength. This suggests you are that person who struggles with over-committing. Be that person who can ask for help.
7. Look For New Experiences
Your self-awareness is mainly dependent on the kind of life experiences you have. Thus, trying new activities, hobbies, and skills is another essential method to identify your strength. Try to look for professional development opportunities often and take risks by asking to collaborate on projects outside your normal tasks.
There are several ways you can consider seeking new experiences. For instance, ask your colleagues if you can shadow them. On the other hand, take on leadership responsibilities in new areas, take classes, or learn new technical skills. Taking risks of trying something new in your workplace can help you discover your unique strengths.
8. Reflect On Your Successful Tasks
Some people do not enjoy what they do at their place of work. If that is your case at the moment, you are not alone. If you realize what you do at work gives you satisfaction, consider that as your strength. Note that anything you do with confidence ends up being successful.
With this strength, it is advisable to invest in yourself and show evidence of your strength. At this moment, it is wise to try figuring out the beliefs and behaviours that can help you apply these skills for your benefit. This can help you to reap more than you are gaining from your workplace. For instance, if you realize you are good at marketing, you can opt to open a marketing industry for your benefit.
9. Consider Compliments You Receive Regularly
Another great way to identify your strength at your workplace is by listening to what other people say about what you do. It is common for supervisors or colleagues to complement workers who perform their work excellently. Note that you do not go asking your colleagues what you are best at. Instead, focus on doing your tasks excellently. That way, you will find them complimenting you for a job well done. Such compliments can help you identify your strengths.
In a workplace, there are several tasks you are likely to be attached to. With that in mind, you realize there are areas you receive more compliments than others. If you know that, try to think about how you will improve in other areas. Also, you can work on strengthening your strength. One of the best ways to do this is by participating in advanced training for excellent skills. Else, you can instruct others in your area of excellence. While teaching someone from your strengths, your knowledge is going to increase automatically.
Conclusion
These are some of the best ways to identify and use your strength in the workplace. Regardless of the method you choose to use, keep in mind that success takes time to happen. Therefore, as an individual, you must work hard to identify your workplace strengths and find the best way to use them for your growth. Know your strengths and use that knowledge to your advantage by applying those abilities to excel at the workplace.
