In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, the pressure to conform can be overwhelming, which has always struck me as silly – if everyone was the same, how could we differentiate, diversify and add new value? I have seen many an organisation and manager who often have their vision of what an ideal employee should look like, sometimes pushing individuals to mould themselves into a version that fits the company’s culture, the manager’s preferences, or some other criteria that can play havoc with confidence and self-worth. And I am not talking about standards of work or professionalism here. I am talking about your character, values and strengths being shaped into something that does not suit you.
This is something to be aware of, especially if you are starting early in your career and are still working on finding out who you are. So, pick who you work with and for carefully. We often underestimate how those we work with can tremendously impact us. Good and the not-so-good.
Anyway, in all of this “pressure”, I think it is crucial to remember the value of embracing your unique strengths and staying true to what makes you, you. Why is this important? And how can you confidently navigate the journey of self-acceptance in the workplace?
I think of embracing your unique strengths as a strategic approach to career success and overall well-being. Here is why it matters:
Authenticity leads to fulfilment
When you embrace your true self, you experience a sense of fulfilment that comes from living authentically. Pretending to be someone you are not can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and burnout. Sure, there is always a bit of “audacity” that one has to show up with to try different things, but straying too far from who you think you are can cause cognitive dissonance that will impact you in the long term—and not in a good way.
Diverse perspectives drive innovation
Organisations benefit from each individual’s diverse perspectives and strengths. Your unique problem-solving, creativity, and thinking approach can lead to innovative solutions and a potential competitive edge for your organisation and yourself. Think of the reputation you want to have for yourself in this regard and act accordingly. In your next feedback session, work to identify where you delivered something unique or innovative to your organisation, team or project. Doing this will set you apart and showcase a strength many do not take the time to showcase.
Increased engagement and productivity
People who play to their strengths are generally more engaged and productive. When you do what you are naturally good at and enjoy, work feels less like a chore and more like a passion or something with a purpose. I know this is a touchy subject for many people. Isn’t it enough to work for a living? To pay the mortgage and feed the kids/dogs/hobby? Sure. I would never presume to tell people what to do in their lives. From my experience, and the people I have worked with, I will say that those who link what they do to earn a living with a purpose are happier and more resilient in the long term. There is a strong WHY behind their work, and that is the difference.
Personal and professional growth
Embracing your strengths allows you to focus on areas where you can excel and grow. There is a lot of focus, especially in performance reviews, on the things that did not work or need improvement, and they have their place. However, focusing on strengths and looking at areas on how to amplify them will reward you much more than focusing only on what you are not good at or comparing yourself to others and their strengths. Focus on your swim lane and zone of genius, and you will not go wrong.
So, how do you go about recognising what your strengths are so that you can embrace them? This might seem straightforward, but many people struggle to identify their true strengths and how to leverage them effectively. Here are some strategies to help you uncover and value your unique strengths:
Self-reflection
Reflect on your experiences, achievements, and the tasks you enjoy the most. What activities make you lose track of time? What do others frequently praise you for? These insights can help you identify your core strengths. Once you do that, you can then investigate if those strengths are in demand or whether you can make a decent living using them or whether you need to look at new skills and build some new strengths.
Seek feedback
Ask colleagues, mentors, friends, family, and your significant other for feedback. Sometimes, others can see our strengths more clearly than we can. Constructive feedback can highlight your talents and areas where you excel.
Utilise strengths assessments
Various tools and assessments are designed to help individuals identify their strengths. Instruments like the CliftonStrengths or the VIA Character Strengths Survey (not affiliated with either) can provide valuable insights into our innate abilities and how to leverage them.
Experiment and explore
Do not be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Exploring different roles, tasks, and projects can help you discover hidden strengths and passions. This is where secondments, side projects or shadowing others for a day can offer some real insights into new areas that might work for you and gain new strengths in.
Once you have identified your unique strengths, the next challenge is staying true to yourself in an environment that may pressure you to conform. Here are some tips to help you maintain your authenticity at work:
Set clear boundaries
Establish boundaries that protect your core values and strengths. Communicate these boundaries respectfully to your colleagues and managers. And be transparent. If, for example, you thrive in collaborative environments, express your preference for teamwork over solitary tasks. Setting boundaries is about us, not others. So learn how to do this.
SIDE NOTE: Many organisations are experimenting with job-design (where the results are the focus and the how, where and even who with is up to you) and I think this is a great opportunity for people to be proactive and write jobs that align to their strengths in line with company or team objectives.
Find a supportive network
Surround yourself with people who appreciate and support your authentic self. This network can include colleagues, mentors, or professional groups who share your values and strengths. There is an industry event, or two!, for any industry these days, so find one that works for you and go and talk to people. Find out what their experiences are, and the lessons they have learned. Ask questions. You could also challenge yourself here and attend an industry event outside your industry! It could well be an eye-opening experience.
Advocate for yourself
Learn, and be unafraid, to speak up about your strengths and how they can benefit the team or organisation. Advocate for roles and responsibilities that align with your abilities and the skills you want to learn. Presenting your strengths as assets to the company can help others see the value in your unique contributions and perhaps someone else can see your courage and be courageous as well.
Learn to say no
Recognising when a task or project does not align with your strengths is important. Politely declining or negotiating roles that do not play to your strengths can help you stay focused on what you do best. Ok, you might not always get what you ask for, but you will respect yourself a bit more for standing up for yourself. Be realistic, but do not let fear stand in the way. The worst that can happen is they say no in return.
Final thoughts
Embracing your unique strengths and staying true to yourself in the face of external pressures is a journey, not a destination. It requires self-awareness, courage, and resilience. The idea is not to stagnate and say, “These are my strengths, and I am not moving on!” but to be open to understanding your strengths first and building on them. If you do not know your strengths, how will you know what you are building is right for you?
And remember, the world needs your unique strengths. Despite what the culture might want to tell you, your unique strengths set you apart and make you invaluable. So, embrace what makes you, you, and let your true self shine through.
And as always, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
Share this post