There are a number of ways to identify our signature talents, but let’s start with a journey down Memory Lane.
Go back in time and trace when and where you’ve felt fulfilled, happy, and accomplished. List the talents you associate with that success. This is not the time for modesty. On this page, you are invited—actually, you are required—to blow your own horn. Celebrate your successes at all stages of your life, and identify what talents and skills were at their base. Feel free to add more lines—or even pages—to this worksheet if you need them.
My talents:
Occasionally, this process will bring even greater surprises.
One of the youngest female partners in a Big Five consulting firm had decided to take a general management position in an industrial company to further her career. Unfortunately, the job didn’t align with her signature talents and she became very uncomfortable about her career path. Through self-assessments, she realized that her results-oriented personality was much more in tune with consulting projects than in a caretaking management role. She decided to return to the path where she had been most comfortable and successful. She now leads teams of consultants.
Still Unsure?
To complete your list, ask friends, family members, former employers and employees, and associates to be honest and give you feedback. Then check out on-line resources. Here are a few that will offer valuable help—and a fun and intriguing experience:
http://www.StrengthsFinder.com
http://www.SelfAssessmentCenter.com
http://www.AuthenticHappiness.org
http://www.HappinessHypothesis.com
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