A Coaching Power Tool Created by Robin P. Pajot
(Career Coaching, UNITED STATES)
It’s expensive not to know who we are. Without knowing our strengths and natural preferences, we may struggle with where to direct our energy and growth.
From elementary school through high school, we often focus on improving our weakest subjects. We find tutors to help with the math we’re failing, rather than focus on language and literature where we soar. We are encouraged to do well in all classes in order to bring up our grade point average. Higher GPAs generally make it easier to gain admission to universities.
In college, gradually we migrate away from classes we don’t like and move toward a major. While high school curriculum can be somewhat limited, universities allow for study in just about every subject imaginable. With such vast choices, students can struggle with choosing a field of study. And with limited work experience, it can be hard to determine where they will shine professionally.
The lack of knowledge and direction is expensive. Studying and working in fields that are not a natural fit can lead to reduced success, more time in college, and unfulfilling careers.
But other costs may be just as hampering: restlessness, fatigue, loss of drive, and reduced happiness at work and at home. We feel stagnate. We may live with regret. We were made for greatness, and we wallow in mediocrity. We suffer, and the world loses out on the gifts we are meant to share.
So what is it worth to know our strengths, preferences and natural abilities? It’s priceless. Working and living “in our zone” feels effortless and natural. We no longer dread Mondays. We shine, and others see the vibrancy, including our boss and co-workers. We lose ourselves in projects. We are fully immersed in our work and lives.
How do we help clients recognize their gifts? We ask exploratory questions and help clients find patterns. Here are some to get us started:
What are you great at?
What do you value?
What do you wish you could learn more about?
When do you feel most in your “zone?”
What do friends and co-workers say you do well?
What would an ideal work day look like for you?
If you could trade jobs with someone, who would that be and why?
What do you feel you were made to do?
Clients may also consider taking the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and/or the Strong Interest
Inventory to get an in-depth look at their preferences and associated careers.
When we’re living an inauthentic life, it’s expensive, psychologically and financially.
When we live in harmony with our natural talents, it’s priceless. Our job as coach is to help clients move into priceless living.