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Capstone Contributions April 24, 2015 |
Welcome to Business Leadership 33 1/3 To Go©
1. Go back to the basics 2. Be specific 3. Reframe your internal conversation Go Back to Basics Marcus Buckingham noted that people are rarely good at talking about their strengths but those who have taken a strengths instrument do a better job of it. If you haven’t taken a strengths assessment, it’s a good idea. Strengths instruments give you language to express your strengths for yourself and to others. Whether you are seeking a job or starting a business, communicating what you have to offer is critical. When starting a business, exploring strengths may help give form to not only the type of business you start but also to the specific way that structure and run it. Be Specific Assessments are only part of the answer. Take each strength and write out specifically how that strength expresses itself in your career. For example, if one of your strengths is communication, answer the following:
If you are looking for a position, these specifics will help you communicate your contributions to hiring managers. Likewise, potential clients will more clearly understand what is special about your business. For people in a business who have lost their enthusiasm for the work, these specifics may give you the information you need to re-align and negotiate or voluntarily take on more work that gives you joy. Reframe the Internal Conversation Yes, it is frustrating to be one of two finalists for a position and not be chosen—again and again and possibly again. You might be told you have too much experience or you’re overqualified. If you are marketing your own business, you might be put off by potential clients who treat you like just another pesky vendor. When that happens, and it will, think through your internal messages. If you’ve been telling yourself that you’re tired of auditioning, then that frustration may leak into your conversations with hiring managers or potential clients. Stop and reframe.
If your internal perspective is strong and positive, it will shine through. While many of these ideas are good for anyone, our legacy becomes increasingly important with 33 1/3 to go. We feel more urgency to do the good work we were meant to do, whether it is the work we are currently doing or a new contribution. We can do amazing things when we finish strong. ![]() |
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