Module 1 – What are you good at?
When you’re about to begin a job search, start by making a list of all the things you’re good at. Why do this? Because putting a little effort into th...
Advice and Tips
Figure out your strengths
Published: Apr. 1 2022
Who you are as an individual, what you have in your toolkit (= your skills) when you start a new job – and how you use what’s in this toolkit – all play a major role in deciding the extent to which others consider you a valuable resource at work.
Exercise – Define your natural strengths
This exercise is useful for identifying your strengths. It gives you insight into your own behavior and action patterns, making you more aware of your strengths and potential weaknesses.
There are many personality tests out there (both loved and hated), one of which is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test. While some individuals might find being defined by this type of test inhibiting, others find it liberating as learning the results may make it easier for them to relate to both themselves and other people.
STORY: When My Laziness Became My Strength
At a recent seminar, Inge was asked to name what he felt was his most important personal quality as an engineer. Surprising everyone in the room, he answered: “My most important personal quality is my laziness.” Some people laughed while others looked displeased when they heard his answer. One of the other participants then asked Inge to explain what he’d just said.
«I’m not joking. The best engineering inventions are based on the principle that everything’s about doing the least amount possible and getting the biggest possible return. So I invent smart gadgets that can do things so that I don’t have to do these things myself.»
This short anecdote explains Inge’s most important personal characteristic and skill: Laziness. Along with a passion for finding solutions. Inge has demonstrated that he’s reflected on both what he’s good at doing and found a good way to communicate this skill to other people.
Getting things done
Purpose: Your natural strengths and personal preferences have a lot to say about what you like to do, and if you’re truly honest with yourself on this point, you’ll be sure to land a job that’s just right for you.
Step 1: Learn something about yourself by taking this easy personality test that gives you a list of opposites to consider.
I get energized from
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Being alone |
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Being with others |
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Activities that stimulate my thoughts |
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Social activities and experiences |
Personality traits – I am/have
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Organized |
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Spontaneous |
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A planner |
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An improviser |
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Creative |
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Analytical |
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Trusting |
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A great need to be in control |
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Rational |
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Emotional |
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A good listener |
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A talker |
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Humorous |
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Serious |
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Patient |
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Restless |
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Calm |
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Energetic |
Work preferences
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Productive under pressure |
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Unproductive under pressure |
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Do one thing at a time |
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Multitasker |
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Self-disciplined |
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Get things done at the last minute |
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Work independently |
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Group work |
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Goal- and result-oriented |
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Develop new ideas/concepts |
What I’m like with other people
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A good and supportive listener in conversations |
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Initiate/Keep the conversation going |
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Need time to reflect |
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Need to get quick responses |
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Think before I speak |
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Talk while I’m thinking |
This exercise has been extracted from Prosjekthåndboka 3,0 by Jonas D. Aakre and Henriette S. Scharning.
This exercise has been extracted from Prosjekthåndboka 3,0 by Jonas D. Aakre and Henriette S. Scharning.
Once you’ve completed the test, take a few minutes to answer the following questions:
- What kind of work environment would I enjoy?
- What are my strengths?
- What might be my weaknesses?
- Describe your work preferences by writing down a maximum of five words.
- Describe your personality by writing down a maximum of five words.
Find your superpowers
Your superpowers are often some of your natural strengths you’ve been developing your whole life. These are skills/qualities that are often transferable; they can be used in different phases of your career in different jobs, whether you work alone or interact with others.
Using the exercises you’ve done, look at the list of your competencies, skills and preferences.
Reflect on the questions below to find your superpowers.
- What am I good at doing, and what do I like to do?
- What kind of work do I always say yes to doing?
- What skills do I want to develop further?
- What do others say I’m good at doing?
- What do I do that other people appreciate?
- What kind of work don’t I like doing and prefer delegating to someone else?
Future of Jobs – Report from The World Economic Forum
This report highlights abilities and skills that will be important in the future workplace. This list is constantly being revised:
- Analytical thinking and innovation
- Active learning and learning strategies
- Creativity, originality and initiative
- Technological design and programming
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Complex problemsolving
- Leadership and social influence
- Emotional and relational intelligence
- Reasoning, problemsolving and brainstorming
- System analysis and assessment
Tip:
Use this competency matrix. Add to it whenever you think of new ideas.
| What I’m good at | What I’m not good at |
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Where I’m in ‘the zone’ (flow state) and feel a high degree of mastery (Superpowers) |
But I’m very motivated to learn how to do this (Potential) |
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But I think these tasks are boring or demanding over time (skills I’ve learned) |
And I get frustrated when I try (lose motivation) |
Use your superpowers and skills when you’re looking at either new opportunities in your current job or new career opportunities in general. You’ll have a greater chance of making good choices and finding a job that’s right for you.
- In the first matrix square, write down your natural strengths
- In the second matrix square, write down work areas and tasks where you can put your natural strengths to use in several ways
- In the third matrix square, write down tasks which, although you’re skilled at doing them, give you no energy
- In the fourth square, write down tasks you should avoid and not spend any time doing
(Inspired by Monica K. Brante – How to open doors and get the job you want: 2021)
Use this matrix actively when you’re looking for either new opportunities in your current job or new career opportunities in general. It’s important to focus on your natural strengths as well as the tasks you enjoy and think are fun to do. Listen to your inner sense of motivation and look for your potential in the competency areas you want to develop further.
Read more and find more exercises related to competency mapping
