Focus on Your Talents and Strengths

In one of my workshops, I often use an exercise that helps the participants become aware of their focus. I take a flip chart pad, and on a fresh page, I make a small little dot with my marker. I then ask the audience what they see. Invariably people make comments like “ a spec”, “a mark” and a “black dot.”


What Do You See?
I then ask the question, what else do you see? Finally someone will answer “a large white area.” And that is my point. Too often you look at what is you don’t have, as opposed to what you do have, in the way of your personal talents and strengths. It is easy to get down on yourself when your job search doesn’t go the way you want it to. You can think of all the things you can’t do and all of your weaknesses, but, that kind of thinking won’t get you a new job.


Focus on What You Can Do
The idea is to focus on what you can do. You need to focus on your talents and strengths. Here is an easy way to do it. Take out a sheet of paper and a pen, or open up a new page on your computer screen. At the top of the page, write down the heading, “Talents and Strengths.” Then proceed to write down everything that comes to mind. Look to your past successes you had during your life. It may be you were good at sports, and so, you are an “achiever” and a “team player”. Maybe you are good with people so you can add the words “empathetic” or “communicator.” The idea is to record as many of your talents and strengths to help you see your potential value to a company or organization.

These qualities can be used in your resume, as well, as a way to describe yourself in the job interviews that are bound to come your way. So, remember, the next time you start to think of your limitations, pull out your sheet of talents and strengths, and let them serve to help motivate you in your quest for finding the job that is right for you.

If you are interested in a better career in manufacturing visit www.manufacturingworkers.com

Tom Borg is president of Tom Borg Consulting, LLC. He is a business consultant, speaker, coach and author. He helps companies and organization become more profitable by increasing their value and lowering their costs through the professional development of their managers and employees.