We don't pay much attention to what seems to come easily to us. We should.

I'm working with mid-career executives on their professional development. One has a grouping of talents that would make any major construction or engineering firm drool with the anticipation of hiring him as a project manager.

Talent So when I pointed out his natural strengths, what was his response?

"Oh, of course, but that's just stuff that I've always liked to do."

Well, yeah! It just so happens that what he's always like to do--and is really, really good at--fits perfectly with outstanding project management. But he never saw himself as gifted in that area because it seemed easy. As a result, he spent years not promoting his career because he thought that if it was easy it must not be worth anything.

Are you doing the same thing?

Start paying attention to what you do really well and the underlying communication, relational, and functional talents that go with it. I use a proprietary assessment to zero in on the specifics with my clients. You can start by asking those around you to tell you how they see you in these three areas:

Communication
Interpersonal
Presenting
Facilitating group discussion

Relational
Do you initiate relationships with people in large groups, small groups, or one-at-a time?

When you determine which fits you best, look at your career. Does your current job match your relational talent? If so, great. If not, find a situation that matches. This is a huge indicator of job success. A mismatch with your relational comfort zone will increase your stress and decrease your performance, no matter how gifted you are.

Functional

Helping/Service orientation
Managerial/Sole contributor orientation
Good with lots of action or lots of thinking time?
Do you excel in dealing with people or things?

That's a start. Then:

Recognize that what you do well--and what comes naturally--has great value.

Decide today to find the career match that brings out the best in you.

This posting, Doing What Comes Naturally, is posted by Steve Roesler at Wellsphere.com