Skills and Attributes- What do you Bring to the Table?

Recently, I have been doing a lot of reflection on where I want to take my career next. In order to do this I had to assess what value I can offer to others. It can be hard to think about yourself objectively. Someone suggested for me to reach out to family and close friends to find out their perspectives on what skill sets and attributes they would say I have in terms of teaching and education as a whole.

 

Step 1: Collect Skill and Attribute Lists (yourself and others)

 

If you haven’t ever done something like this, I highly suggest it. You learn a lot about yourself. My closest allies described me in ways I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself. They saw strengths in me that I didn’t realize I even had.This exercise is not just a way to inflate your ego, but more importantly, its a great way to see how the world perceives you. This helped me realize my value- what can I bring to the table?

Here is a brief recap of some of my own answers:

• Skills: teaching, speaking, leadership, coaching
• Attributes: honest, direct, passionate

Here are repeated themes found in my confidant’s responses:

• Skills: teaching, coaching
• Attributes: passionate, efficient, driven, focused

 

Step 2: Use Repeated Skill Themes to Brainstorm how to use them Together Successfully

 

I bolded repeated themes on purpose. When collecting this data from others, you want to highlight words that continue to pop up. Those are your descriptors that will most likely turn into the value that you bring to the table.

Some answers that surprised me:

• change agent
• objective
• resourceful
• sense of urgency
• progressive

It’s not that these descriptors aren’t true in describing me, but they aren’t attributes I think shine when I work for and with others. They also did not show up as repeated themes so I knew that:

• Yes, these are part of who I am
• No, they are not going to be the driving force of value that I bring to the table

I had to get to work to see how these descriptors could work harmoniously to help me bring value to the table. I have been teaching for almost a decade and coaching for about 3 years. It’s obvious based on my answers and the answers of others that this is my sweet post and I should continue to do this.

 

Step 3: Use Repeated Attribute Themes to Maximize Effectiveness of Repeated Skill Themes

 

The skills that will help me continue to be effective are my passion, drive, focus and efficiency; but, how do I maximize these attributes while teaching and coaching? Being efficient is important so that I can manage my time in the best way possible. This will allow me to help others more often, broadening my impact base. My focus ensures I am not bogging down my time with tasks that do not help me accomplish my goal. Prioritizing is a major component of having focus. This fact partnered with my drive to chase my dreams while remaining focused will ensure I stay on course at a dedicated pace. Lastly, my passion is my fuel. If I do not love what I am doing, I won’t be effective or willing to put in the time necessary to help others.

Seems like I was able to identify my skills and attributes, hone in on the skills that will help me bring value to others, and utilize my attributes together to maximize my impact. Whew! I am exhausted from all of this thinking! But, this is such an important part of my journey because now I know exactly the direction I need to go next and have the evidence of my skills and attributes laying the foundation of this path. I can’t wait to see how this next chapter develops. I am extremely thankful to friends, family, and coworkers for helping with my homework so that I can continue to give back to others as so many have given to me.

So, now its your turn. Complete the following steps and come back to let me know how you did!

Step 1: Collect Skill and Attribute Lists (yourself and others)

Step 2: Use Repeated Skill Themes to Brainstorm how to use them Together Successfully

Step 3: Use Repeated Attribute Themes to Maximize Effectiveness of Repeated Skill Themes

What skills or attributes did others use to describe you that you didn’t know you possessed?  

Why might others see you this way?