5 strategies to leverage your unique strengths and grow your career

May 18, 2023

Understanding and harnessing your unique strengths is key to grow a fulfilling, successful career.

I had a discussion on LinkedIn this week about my previous article on authentic leadership. The conversation touched on the importance of recognising individual strengths in a team.

Today, I wanted to dive deeper into the practical application of your unique strengths — and HOW they can propel your career forward.

One of the first areas I work on with my clients is identifying their innate strengths. Yet once you know what your gifts are, what do you do with them?

While I believe it’s critical to do some reflection upfront to build self-awareness, I’m all about practical strategy.

Because gaining new insights about yourself is nice — but how do you use your superpowers to create the career you want?

Here are 5 ways understanding your unique strengths supports your career growth. You’ll learn practical strategies to leverage your strengths and skyrocket your career success!

#1 — OVERCOMING SELF DOUBT

One practical benefit of knowing your strengths is the ability to navigate moments of self-doubt or low confidence. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, putting yourself forward for a promotion or having a difficult conversation.

By documenting your strengths in an easily accessible place — such as the notes section of your phone — you can refer to them when needed. This simple strategy provides your brain with evidence of what you excel at. When you remind yourself of your strengths, it boosts confidence and self-belief!

#2 — GUIDING CAREER DECISIONS

An advantage of clarifying your strengths is it supports you to make the right career choices. When assessing a potential career path, always consider if it’s aligned to your unique strengths. If you’re weighing up a new job opportunity, ask yourself whether you’ll get to use your gifts in this position.
 
There’s room for growth and development in any role. But by focusing on your strengths during the decision-making process, you will do the work you’re good at — and enjoy!
 

#3 — CRAFTING YOUR UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION

The third benefit of understanding your strengths is it helps you formulate your unique value proposition. Being able to articulate what sets you apart is essential to attract clients and advance your career.
 
By highlighting your strengths in online profiles, cover letters and interviews, you’ll also stand out. This positions you as a strong candidate for new job opportunities. When you know your unique value and how to communicate it, you will grow your career.
 

#4 — CREATING A CAREER BY DESIGN

Another advantage is it also allows you to design your career around your strengths. This ensures you focus on the tasks and activities which come naturally to you — and bring you fulfillment. When work feels effortless and you’re in a state of flow, it’s a sign you’re operating in alignment with your strengths.

Of course, there will always be new skills to learn to become even better at your role. You may identify areas you want to develop to advance into the career you aspire to be in. But rather than fixating on perceived weaknesses, focus on leveraging your strengths.

Because when you consciously choose to honour your strengths, you will make your career ‘work’ for you!

#5 — DELEGATE & COLLABORATE

The final benefit is it allows you to delegate, outsource or eliminate tasks which fall outside your zone of genius. Recognise you don’t have to be the best at everything! For example, if you’re a visionary thinker but struggle with details — collaborate with someone who thrives in this area to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
 
If you’re in a leadership position, take time to identify the strengths of your team members. Use this information to delegate work and encourage them to leverage their unique strengths. Often, you won’t recognise your strengths until someone points them out!
 
When you build a team based on individual strengths, you will create a positive and productive work environment.
 
So there you have it — 5 practical strategies to leverage your unique strengths at work. These tips have helped my clients find more fulfillment at work and create greater career success. I hope they support you too!

Want further support to create a career by design?

Listen to this FREE audio training and in 15 minutes, I’ll give you all the tools and strategies you need to get started! Get instant access.

Stacey Back is a globally recognised and certified Career + Leadership Coach. She helps high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work that lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career + life on their terms. Stacey works virtually with individuals and organisations based across the globe.

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