We’ve all heard this: “Focus on your strengths!” But what does that really mean in a workplace setting? Sure, it sounds empowering, like something you’d see on a motivational poster with a soaring eagle. But putting it into practice? That’s where things get interesting.
Let’s skip the fluff and get real about how to tap into your unique strengths at work. Because guess what? Leaning into what you’re naturally good at isn’t just feel-good advice—it’s a fast pass to more productivity, higher engagement, and (dare we say) a little more joy in the 9-to-5 grind.
1. Spot Your Strengths (No Eagle Poster Necessary)
Start with this: What do people always seem to come to you for? Maybe it’s problem-solving in a pinch, or you’re the unofficial team counselor who listens without judgment. Identifying your strengths begins by asking where you shine naturally, even if it feels obvious. (Yes, sometimes you need to actually acknowledge that skill you brush off as “no big deal.”)
If you’re stumped, ask a few trusted colleagues or friends what they think your strengths are. There’s nothing quite like the candid feedback from someone who’s seen you unravel a crisis (or two) to make you see where your superpowers really lie.
Pro tip: If you cringe at the idea of asking people, start with online assessments like StrengthsFinder or the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. Think of them as quizzes with far more valuable results than “Which Disney Princess Are You?”
2. Embrace Your “Odd” Skills
Here’s the thing: Not all strengths fit into neat boxes labeled “leadership” or “communication.” Sometimes, they’re the quirky ones you never thought to use at work. Maybe you’re great at getting people to laugh when tensions are high, or you’ve got a knack for making detailed plans that don’t crumble under pressure. These “odd” strengths are often the ones that can make you stand out in a team—and be way more memorable than the standard “good communicator” label. So, take stock of all your skills, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
3. Make Your Strengths Work for You
Once you know your strengths, it’s time to leverage them. Ask yourself: “How can I bring more of this into my day-to-day?” If you’re a natural problem-solver, volunteer for those thorny projects everyone else runs from. If you’re great with people, take on a mentoring role. The point here isn’t to shoehorn your strengths into every project, but to weave them naturally into your work so that they amplify what you’re already doing.
Not in a role that lets you use your strengths? Start small by incorporating them in subtle ways. If organization is your thing, streamline your team’s workflow. If creativity lights you up, suggest new brainstorming techniques for meetings. Little by little, you’ll shape your role into one that fits you like a glove.
4. Delegate (Yes, Really)
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: Sometimes, you need to let others shine, too. Part of using your strengths wisely means recognizing what isn’t your strength and handing it off. (Repeat after me: Delegation is not a weakness.) Leaders, especially, struggle with this because they think they need to be good at everything. But the best leaders know when to step back and let their team members’ strengths fill the gaps. So, let go of that thing you’re “pretty okay” at, and let someone who’s amazing at it take over. This frees up your energy to pour into the areas where you excel.
5. Turn Strengths into Success Stories
One of the best ways to own your strengths is to track how they lead to wins. Did your knack for diplomacy help diffuse a tense client meeting? Did your innovative approach improve a process? Start cataloging these wins—not to toot your own horn (well, maybe a little) but to remind yourself of what you bring to the table. This isn’t just good for your ego; it’s also practical. In performance reviews or job interviews, having a few stories ready can be a game-changer. You’re not just listing strengths—you’re proving them.
6. Make it a Habit
Like anything worth doing, identifying and using your strengths is a practice. Schedule a monthly check-in with yourself (or a friend, if you need accountability) to evaluate how well you’re leveraging your strengths at work. What’s working? What’s not? Adjust accordingly. This keeps you aligned and helps you pivot when necessary.
Bonus Tip: Be patient with yourself. Not every work environment is designed for you to shine right away. It takes time, persistence, and sometimes a bit of boundary-pushing. But, hey, if you’re putting in the work to know your strengths and use them, you’re already ahead of the game.
Final Thoughts
Building the life (and career) of your dreams isn’t just about hitting goals or getting that promotion. It’s about showing up in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. Using your strengths isn’t selfish—it’s smart. So go ahead, lean into what makes you you, and watch how the workplace transforms when you do.