Tell me,
what are you good at?
Surprising question, isn’t it? Such a question. It’s often not easy to say what you’re good at. Maybe you think you don’t have any talent at all. It can be difficult to describe your talent, because it’s just part of you. It’s your second nature. But what seems so simple to you can be very complicated for someone else.
Do you know what you’re good at? What your talent is? Then chances are, you’re doing what you love! Your manager can assign you tasks that you’re simply very good at. You can actively seek out work that gives you energy. Discover where your talent lies with these steps!
Discover where your talent lies
1. What do you enjoy doing the most?
Make a short list of the things you absolutely love to do. Take a broad look at your work, your life, the past and the present. These questions can help you:
• What do you enjoy doing without anyone asking you?
• What do you get so absorbed in that we have to pull you away from it?
• What fun things make you lose track of time?
• What would you do for free if you had to?
The list you write will be more about passions than talents. Something you love gives you energy and pleasure. Use it to help recognize your talent.
2. What are your interests?
Your interests likely resemble your passions. With interests, it’s more about what you find important to read, watch, or study.
• What topics do you read about a lot?
• What do you like to watch?
• What topics always catch your eye in the media?
• What topics do you enjoy talking about?
This list of interests is mainly an opportunity to make connections between your passions and interests. It helps make your talent clearer.
Your successes...
3. Your success stories
A crucial step in identifying your talent! Looking back at your career, describe the work you experienced as “successful.” Think, for example, of:
• Projects you did well and showed your passion
• Courses or training that suited you
• Anything where you can honestly say: “I was really good at that.” Then, rate the activities where you got the most energy. Put the ones that gave you the most energy at the top, and the least at the bottom of your list. Key questions:
• What common thread do you see in all these activities?
4. Tests are useful to get a picture of your talent
To support your own self-assessment, it can be helpful to do a talent-motivation analysis. This test gives you insight into yourself, how you approach things, what gives you energy, and what drains you. The results can help you define your strengths. There are also free online tests to get a view of your motivations.
Feedback is very helpful
5. Talk with a friend
Feedback from another person, an outsider, can be extremely helpful. Think of friends, family, or an old acquaintance. Anyone will do, as long as this person has known you for some time. This person can help you. An easy way to do this is by making an appointment and emailing your questions in advance. What kind of questions?
• What do you think I’m good at?
• How do you see me?
• What tasks do you think suit me extremely well, and why?
• What three words describe me, and why?
• Etc.
Enter the conversation with an open mind. And remember: You don’t need to defend yourself, and you don’t have to agree.
Acknowledge your areas for improvement
6. Face your weak points
No one is perfect, so acknowledge your weaknesses. That’s important for a healthy balance. On the plus side, it helps to show the weak points within your talent. Not very fun, but here are some questions that can help:
• What do you take (too) long to do?
• What do you procrastinate on?
• During which activities do you feel uncomfortable?
7. Your list of talents
All the preparation for your list of talents is done. It’s time to draw some conclusions. Look at all your notes and discover the common thread of your talent. What patterns do you recognize from your interests, passions, successes, and interviews? What could you combine from these sources? What do you dream of doing? Describe the talent(s) that have come to the surface during your search.
Talent development
8. Nurture your talent
Now that you know what your talent is, it’s a good idea to nurture it. Ask your manager for a project that directly taps into your talent. Or find the work within your role that maximizes your talent. Or perhaps be bold and look for a better-fitting job outside your current organization!
Discovering your talent isn’t easy. But it’s definitely worth it. You’ll be able to do things better and more easily. And they’ll make your life even more enjoyable. There’s something nice about the idea that with your talent you can give something important to those around you. Something unique, something only you can offer. Let it motivate you!
Want to know more about a talent analysis? Or do you need a personal coach to help you on your journey? Ask our advisor about the possibilities!
Christien Schneider
Career Coach
I have always had a great interest in personal and professional development. Both my own and of the people around me. Everyone gives their own meaning to this and builds up their own experiences.
