Just because you’re good at something is that what you should be doing? That would go a long way to explain why I am not doing a job in finance. Today students discover early on their learning style according to Gardiner’s Multiple Intelligences. There are many standardized tests out there, Myers Briggs, to name one, that will help you define your strengths.
Think about the group of people you work with. They can be extroverted, introverted, mathematical/logical, kinaesthetic visual, musical. The list goes on. Or any combination of the above. The point is, should you define what you do by your strengths or your passions?
Pictured above is Francis from Mac, doing what he loves. At the Mac Event last nite on Bloor St in Toronto, Francis entertained my friend & I with his lighthearted, knowledgeable approach to being a Make-up artist.
The 3 articles I have chosen would have us thinking along the lines of our personality type influences our career choices. And that’s a good thing.
I am a visual thinker and it turns out most of us are. I love the graphic from the “six-thinking hats to build your personal brand” As a manager or team leader Edward DeBono’s model is a great tool for choosing a cohesive differentiated team.
nnhttp://www.business2community.com/branding/using-six-thinking-hats-to-build-your-personal-brand-0488456
Edward deBono’s Six Thinking Hats
You’ll probably recognize de Bono’s six basic thinking styles among your coworkers and participants in meetings and problem-solving sessions:
- White Hat. This type of thinking is neutral and objective, primarily concerned with facts and figures.
- Red Hat. These individuals are more subjective and engaged; the emotions influence their actions.
- Black Hat. These are the careful and cautious members of your group. They often play the role of Devil’s Advocate roles.
- Yellow Hat. These are the optimists in your group, sunny and positive, anticipating successful outcomes.
- Green Hat. Green is associated with fertility; these individuals frequently originate creative approaches and new ideas.
- Blue Hat. The blue hat is concerned with control and the big picture, interested in facilitating the thinking process and organizing the contributions of the other hats.
A recent Workopolis article aslo suggests the importance of self awareness when it comes to finding your dream job.
Understanding what roles you are best suited to based on your personality is what will make you the most happy at work. To further back up this premise, another study conducted at the University of Zurich found that people “who can apply [their] personal character strengths in [their] careers, experience more enjoyment, flow and meaning at work.”
Bruce Kasanoff writes of the importance of self discovery and application of things you love to do in his LinkedIn article: How to Figure Out The Things You Love To Do
Adopt a growth rather than a fixed mindset: In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck observes that people with a growth mindset believe that through effort they can develop cherished qualities and abilities. In contrast, people with a fixedmindset feel their abilities are carved in stone.
If you abe able to match your strengths with passions and obligations, say Mick Ukleja and Robert Lorber in Who Are You and What Do You Want?. You will be able to find your “Sweet Spot” for work.
I would like to expand on the notion of a growth mindset. In our fickle labor market, where job security is a thing of the past, we are compelled to reinvent or
Rebrand our employability skills on many levels. No longer is a paycheque good enough to keep us at our job. We are looking for the passion or the “Sweet Spot”, that place where we feel we can make a difference.
I encourage you to pay attention to your learning style, what motivates you and keep your mind flexible to see if you can’t go after that job that gives something back to your soul
