3 tips for creating opportunities to use your strengths

“I’d like to use my talent more at work – but I’m not sure how to do it,” somebody may say. “My present role is okay, but the fulfilment factor is only 6/10. Promotion is a possibility, but I will get bored in meetings. The time has come to return to work that gives me a buzz. So how can I get paid for doing what I do best?”

Imagine you face this kind of challenge. You want to use your ‘A’ talent, but it’s hard to find your perfect niche. Three main routes stand out. You can focus on your present role, craft a potential role or generate possible new audiences. Let’s explore these options.

* You can develop your present role.

You can try to use your ‘A’ talent more in your present role. Sounds attractive but, unless you are already in your perfect role, the chances are around 3/10. Why? There are two reasons. First, roles are often ‘historical’ and were designed ‘to win the last war’. Second, roles consist of many ‘givens’. Countless tasks are handed down by people higher in the organization and completing these may not always match your talents. How to tell if you are in the right niche? Looking at your present role, ask yourself the following question. “What percentage of my time do I use my ‘A’ talent?” The minimum figure you are looking for is 50%. You may then have the basis for expanding the role into one that is fulfilling. If not, you may wish to explore the second route. Before taking that step, however, try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to use my strengths more in my present role are:

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* You can create a potential role.

You can craft a potential role that is a ‘win-win’ for both you and an employer. Providing you have enlightened employers, the chances are around 6/10. The key is convincing potential sponsors. How to make this happen? Decision-makers always want improve their profitability, product quality and people. Show how what you offer will improve some or all of these factors. Focus on the ‘results’, rather than the role. One tip: Do not go with an ‘idea’ - go with your first 3 customers. People buy benefits: so show how crafting a new contribution will improve the business. Sometimes this approach works, sometimes you may move onto the third route. Before taking that step, however, try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to create a potential role that is a ‘win-win’ for myself and an employer are:

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* You can find or generate possible new audiences.

You can find or create new audiences that appreciate what you do best. This is the route taken by many pioneers in business, the arts, sports and other fields. The chances of success are 7+/10. This new audience may be inside or outside your present organisation. You will have to work hard at making this happen. Continually reach out to potential sponsors and use your strengths to help them succeed. Somebody will eventually say: “How can we take this further?” Sounds idealistic? Maybe, but it works. Try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to find or generate possible new audiences are:

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People sometimes explore all three routes before finding the best way to express their strengths. Let’s explore how this works. Imagine you are a backing singer in the musical Chicago, but want to make a career singing soul music. Certainly you can inject soul into your nightly role, but it may not be fully satisfying. You can approach the Director to show how doing a solo spot will be a ‘win-win’ and contribute to achieving the musical’s goals. But ultimately you may need to generate an audience for your soul music. Performing in clubs on Sunday nights can build a following, sell your music and eventually lead to your own show. Pioneers frequently take this third route - they find sponsors who will pay them for doing what they do best.