Tell me,
what are you good at?
Scary question, isn’t it? Such a question. It’s often not easy to point out 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 who you are. 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 the chances are, you’re doing what you enjoy! Your manager can assign you to tasks where you’re naturally very good. You can actively seek out activities that energize you. Discover where your talent lies with these steps!
Discover where your talent lies
1. What do you like to do most?
Make a short list of the things you love to do most. Take a broad look at your work, your life, past and present. These questions can help you:
• What do you enjoy doing without anyone asking you?
• What do we need to pull you away from because you just can’t stop?
• Which fun things you do make you lose track of time?
• What would you do for free if you had to?
The things you write down are more a list of passions than talents. Something you enjoy gives you energy and pleasure. Use it to better recognize your talent.
2. What are your interests?
Your interests probably resemble your passions. But interests are more about what you find important—to read, watch, or study.
• What subjects do you read a lot about?
• What do you like to watch?
• Which topics always catch your attention in the media?
• What topics do you like to talk about?
This list of interests is mainly an opportunity to make combinations between your passions and your interests. It provides a way to clarify your talent.
Your successes…
3. Your success stories
A crucial part of discovering your talent! Looking back on your career, describe what you experienced as “successful” activities. For example:
• Projects you did well and where you showed your passion
• Lessons / courses that suited you
• Really anything where you can say: “I was really good at that.” Then, rate the activities you drew the most energy from. The highest energy goes at the top, the least energy at the bottom. Key questions then are:
• What was it exactly that made it interesting for you?
• What common thread do you see in all these activities?
4. Tests are useful to get insight into your talent
To support your own view, it can be useful to do a talent-motivation analysis. This test gives you insight into yourself, how you approach things, what gives you energy, and what drains it. The results of the test can help you identify your strengths. There are also free online tests to get an idea of your motivations.
Feedback is very useful
5. Talking with a friend
Feedback from others, an outsider, can be extremely helpful. Think of friends, family, or an old acquaintance. Anyone qualifies, as long as this person has known you for some time. This person can help you. An easy way to do this is to schedule a meeting and email your questions to them in advance. What kind of questions?
• What do you think I am good at?
• How do you see me?
• Which activities do you think suit me very well and why?
• Which three words describe me and why?
• Etc.
Approach the conversation with an open mind. And remember: You don’t have to defend yourself and you don’t have to agree.
Acknowledge your areas for improvement
6. Face your weaknesses
No one is perfect, so acknowledge your weaknesses. That is important for maintaining a healthy balance. On the positive side, it helps you to show the weaker aspects of your talent. Not very pleasant, but here are some questions that can help you:
• What do you take (too) long to do?
• What do you put off?
• During which tasks or activities do you feel uncomfortable?
7. Your list of talents
All preparations for your list of talents have been completed. It’s time to draw conclusions. Review all your notes and discover the common thread in your talents. 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 talents or the talent that has emerged from your exploration.
Talent development
8. Nurture your talent
Now that you know what your talent is, it’s good to nurture it. Ask your manager for a project that directly involves your talent. Or, seek work within your current role that stimulates your talent. Or maybe you’ll take the plunge and look for a better fitting job outside your own organization!
Discovering your talent is not easy. But it is definitely worth it. You’ll be able to do things better and more easily. And it will make your life more enjoyable, too. There’s something comforting about the idea that you can offer something important to your environment with your talent. Something unique, something only you can do. Let that motivate you!
Want to know more about talent analysis? Or need a personal coach to help you further in your search? Ask our advisor about the possibilities!
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Christien Schneider
Career coach
I have always had a great interest in personal and professional development. For myself as well as for those around me. Everyone has their own way of fulfilling this and builds up their own experiences.
