We all have natural talents and developed strengths that serve us well in our work. When we're out and about, looking for a new career, workplace, job or freelance project, we need to be able to speak with ease about the remarkable qualities we can bring to a new work experience. When we're aware of our own compelling attributes, we are in the fortunate position to design work and career experiences that take advantage of our strengths while simultaneously replenishing our energy levels.



Here's a way to get started with your exploration of what the people you know have to say about you.

Ask them:

1.To tell you a story of a time they've seen you at your best.

2.To tell you what it is they really value and appreciate about you.

Give them the freedom to use their own words, terms, and phrases. And here's something really important for you to do: listen to what they have to say. Listen openly; resist any urges to correct them, deny the facts as they've stated them or interrupt with some other kind of protest. Whether or not you believe your people are telling you about an experience that reflects a quality worth celebrating, this is their time to tell you what they value, appreciate, and admire about you.

Your responsibility during these discussions is to a) listen, and b) take notes regarding what they say so you can review them later.

Once you collect all the responses, reflect on the examples you heard. Consider what themes emerge? Dig a little deeper by reflecting on what each experience cited was like for you. You may wish to use these three questions as a guide:

What was the Challenge you faced? What Action did you take to address the challenge? What was the Result of your actions?

For those of you who love acronyms, the three questions above help you focus your examples on three relevant facts ? the Challenge, your Action, and the Result ? CAR. This is a very simple, yet surprisingly effective approach that can help you uncover some of your own remarkable qualities. Once you know more about what it is you offer that's compelling and unique you can use that information to design career and work activities that make the most use of your talents, replenish your energy, and contribute to heightened levels of career satisfaction and fulfillment.