Play to Your Strengths

Posted by ~L on Saturday, May 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment

In my last post I talked about my new job and how it was a huge change from my previous job. I wanted to talk a little more about WHY I’m taking the risk to make a career change. Many people who don’t know me well or might not know about my side business and passion for designing, creating, and “making things” are usually surprised when they hear I’m going from a banker to basically a graphic designer; some possibly question my logic. Let me explain.

One of my favorite lessons from my Professor in my management class in the MBA program is that people should play to their strengths. The idea is that you will be more productive and happier if you are in a position where you are BOTH talented and passionate. You might find success doing something that you are talented at but not passionate, or you could be doing something you are passionate about, but not particularly talented. The real magic happens when you achieve the combination of both.

Growing up we are told “practice makes perfect” and that if you are not good at something you should work harder and you will do better next time. My Professor said, “Sure, I might go from terrible to bad but I’ll never go from terrible to excellent; You have more growth potential when focusing on improving an area of which you already have strength.”

That point stuck with me this past year. While I enjoy most aspects of my banking job and I feel I do fairly well, supported by my reivews, there were parts where I was not passionate, or quite honestly, not particularly talented. (Public speaking for instance.) I tried hard and I did see improvements in those areas but I still don’t really enjoy it or feel that I’m spectacular. My new job will allow me to explore a position where I am both naturally talented and very passionate. Check back with me in a few years and let’s see where I’m at in life and how that rates on the happy-meter.

In support of playing to your strengths…

Think about Michael Jordan. He is undoubtedly the most talented basketball player, ever. He has a natural talent for the sport but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have to work very hard at it to attain the incredible level he did. Now remember when he decided to take up baseball? There’s no question in my mind that he put just as much heart and soul into working out and practicing but he just didn’t have the same natural talent with baseball as he did basketball; therefore, he was not as successful.

michael-jordan

One of my favorite quotes of all time was from MJ. He said, “I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot… and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why… I succeed.”

Important Note: If you are talented and passionate about something that doesn’t mean success will come easy.

So, having said all that, are you playing to your strengths? If not, why not? Tell me about what you do and what you dream of doing.

Want to learn more about this topic? Check out: