Why you’re blind to your natural talents
Conversations about talent tend to be pretty one-sided.
When asked to describe the talents of a close colleague, you’ll happily reel off 2 or 3 of their natural qualities. But when the question is turned on you, you’re less likely to respond so readily.
That’s because we are blind to our unique talents.
Let’s agree that a talent is something that comes naturally and easily. We are quick to spot them in others, but in ourselves, we assume that because we find them easy, everyone else must be the same. A kind of talent blindness.
But then we get frustrated when others underperform that skill, even though we don’t value it ourselves. Schrödinger's talent if you will. or more likely it’s a superpower?
But it’s important to identify these elusive qualities as they set us apart.
When we exercise said talents, it requires minimum effort. When we build a life where we spend more time doing what comes naturally, life is more fulfilling life. Research shows that we even live longer.
Win-win all around.
So let’s take a moment to pinpoint these superpowers so you wield them to your advantage.
FIND YOUR S-U-P-E-R POWER
[S] SATISFYING
What activities or tasks do you find rewarding? What's most satisfying to you?
[U] URGE
What tasks do you find hard to resist?
[P] PARTICULAR
What tasks should be done a particular way? Which tasks grate on you when they’re not done properly?
[E] EASY
What do you find easy? What jobs requite little effort?
[R] RELISH
What do you relish doing? What do you look forward to doing?
How does your s-u-p-e-r power impact other areas?
EXAMPLE #1 - You read quickly.
This means you consume information rapidly, which means…
You can research information quickly, which means…
You can present a position on a new topic in little time…
Or you are always the most prepared person in the meeting, which makes you knowledgeable and authoritative
Or you can produce a comprehensive business proposal
EXAMPLE #2 – You love the buzz of working to a deadline.
You spring into action when the deadline is on the horizon
This means you excel at shorter-term assignments when deadlines come around more frequently
You work well in crises when you have to think on your feet & time is of the essence
You enjoy working independently
You enjoy the autonomy of making decisions on the hoof
EXAMPLE #3 - You spot mistakes at 20 paces
You guarantee a level of quality that others cannot
An underrated skill, you can ensure that all external documentation is fault-free
This cements your company’s reputation & helps build trust
Others depend on you to shield them from potential humiliation
When attention is poor, people trust yours
And finally, as an introvert, how can you consciously promote your superpowers to others?
Who should know about your superpower?
How could you communicate it to them?
What phrases could you use to highlight these qualities?
How can you weave it into online bios i.e. social media, LinkedIn?
What good marketing practices could you steal from others?
Food for thought! Remember to look out instances when you are frustrated with others. Their incompetence highlights something you naturally find easy. Explore what’s prompting this irritation to unlock a potential superpower.
If you want to discover more about your natural talents & strengths, consider booking an Insider Intel session. Use code BFINTEL200 to secure $200.