Your Superpower
One of the experiences I’ve cherishes over the past 15 years is introducing the StrenthsFinder (now CliftonStrengths) framework within the corporate setting.
I enjoy this framework for several reasons:
The assessment is backed by decades of scientific research
The output creates a COMMON LANGUAGE allowing for self-awareness and understanding
It gives a glimpse to situations where your zone of genius might reside
It does NOT talk about job title fit
This last point is important. Before I encountered StrengthsFinder all the assessments I had encountered were showing me potential job titles. Without knowing any better I attempted to fit myself into a single job title. The insights from StrengthsFinder allowed me to zoom out and view Josh at a macro level. Who am I at my best? In what situations will I thrive.
Yes, I’ve gleaned enormous insight from other assessment tools such as DISC & MBTI but StrengthsFinder will always have a special place in my heart.
Do you know your superpowers?
The concept of superpowers revolves around identifying and leveraging the ESSENCE of who you are at your best. Your uniqueness. For me taking StrengthsFinders was the first time I had thought about personal success outside of achieving tasks at work.
Reading Bury My Heart of Conference Room B is when the next puzzle piece clicked in. Am I living my VALUES at work?
>> Doing work at the intersection of your superpowers and values is your highest point of contribution.
Your Job title does NOT equal your superpower. Yes, there may certainly be elements of your job that align with your superpowers. But your superpowers transcend your job title and the confines of a typical corporate job setting.
If you want to go deeper on the idea of discovering your superpowers and defining the essence of your highest point of contribution I would suggest starting with the following resources:
Dive deep on CliftonStrengths assessment (StrengthsFinder)
Read Bury My Heart at Conference Room B by Stan Slap… I’d suggest buying 2 copies because you’ll end up gifting your original copy by the end of Chapter 2
Read Finding Your Element by Ken Robinson
Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, business partners to perform a 360 evaluation
The path to self-awareness requires intentional efforts but the journey should still be fun. So if you choose to embark on the journey be sure to pack some fun along with your pen & notepad.
We know from myths and fairy tales that there are many different powers in this world. One child is given a lightsaber, another a wizard’s education. The trick is not to amass all the different kinds of power, but to use well the kind you’ve been granted.
-Suan Cain
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
-Josh
Dream big. Live aligned!
