How to Spot Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Whatever the method you choose, the key is to be honest with yourself – a wish-list of what you would like your strengths to be will not be useful.

Start with enjoyment

Try thinking about what you enjoy and equally, what you do not. Typically, we enjoy what we’re good at. What influences and motivates you? What are your attributes for success? Think too about your personal characteristics; for example, do you have good analytical skills, are you determined or a natural problem-solver?

Reframe your weaknesses

Determining our strengths tends to be easier; it’s fun to celebrate our successes. But what about the areas where we struggle? Do you ever take a look in the mirror to see where you are letting others – and yourself – down, and how you can improve? Self-awareness is an important part of managing yourself.

Try not to view them as weaknesses. Instead think of them as learning opportunities. There will be few, if any, areas that, with the right training and coaching, you won’t be able to turn into strengths.

Talk to others

Perhaps the best method of identifying your strengths and weaknesses is to seek the advice of others. Colleagues, peers, friends and even family members can help in assessing strengths and weaknesses. Again, during these conversations, it’s important to be honest with yourself and not to shy away from talking about what you perceive as strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, be prepared to hear some honest answers from those you ask.

Check back to review any appraisals and one-to-ones you received in the past. If you haven’t worked before, feedback from a work placement or even school work will help. Don’t just look at what they identified as strengths – look at areas of development. Have you improved on these? Are they now a strength?

Write them down

Once you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, note them down so that you can assess what improvements have been made as you progress. Once you’re in employment, continue to record your achievements and mistakes. Each project or task is an opportunity to learn and develop, both professionally and personally. It’s also a good idea to ask for regular catch-up meetings with your line manager to seek feedback and identify areas of improvement.

By effectively recognising areas in which you naturally excel and others where you are not so strong, you stand the best chance of developing your skills and advancing your career.

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