𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗼.
We have a tendency to think that we know what we’re good at (the hard skills) and what jobs need those skills.
However, we frequently have superpowers that we’re unaware of but that others see in action regularly. These superpowers can give useful clues to other careers we might enjoy.
For example, I was once told was that I had a easygoing manner when working with people and that they trusted me. (I never really thought that about that one way or the other, and probably thought I was even a bit of an introvert!)
Anyway, hearing feedback like that from several people, along with possible ways to use that superpower, factored into me becoming a coach.
So how do you learn what your superpowers might be? Ask people!
I advise clients to send an email to five people who know (or knew) them well via their career. These are people who can be trusted and will be candid with their feedback. The email goes something like this (edit as desired):
“I’ve been thinking about what might be next for my life and career and I’d love to get your feedback! Would that be okay?
It’s just a few questions:
1. What are 3-5 words that you’d use to describe me?
2. Besides what you know me for professionally, what other roles or careers could you see me doing?
3. Do I have any secret superpowers? Something I’m really good at but perhaps don’t appreciate?
Just hit reply and send your answers when you get a chance.
Thanks in advance.
I really appreciate your help.”
That’s it. When you get your replies, some of the career ideas may seem a bit off the wall. Feel free to follow up and ask what is it about you that the person thought those careers might make sense.
I hope you get great info that opens you to new possibilities.
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