Stand Out with Strengths: Strategies to Build Your Professional Brand

“As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you, the first time around.” 
– Oprah Winfrey

Wondering what opportunities could unfold when you wholeheartedly embrace and leverage your unique qualities? 

Ever felt the potential for a more fulfilling and meaningful professional journey by learning how to tap into your distinctive set of skills?

If so, you're not alone. 

These unique qualities of yours aren't just skills; they're your superpowers, waiting to be leveraged for a more enriching life. 

In a world often fixated on addressing personal weaknesses, I'm here to champion the notion of leaning into your extraordinariness. 

Because those who apply and celebrate their strengths daily aren't just content; they report an excellent quality of life. 

And who doesn’t want that.

I’m going to dive into strategies that go beyond the “conventional corporate wisdom”, focusing on uncovering what truly motivates you and how to craft a professional brand that authentically reflects "you,”. 

The goal? 

Greater fulfillment, pleasure, peace, and joy in your day-to-day professional (and personal) life.

Your uniqueness is your ultimate asset, let's get into it. 

Identifying Strengths

Utilize a Strength’s Assessment

Embarking on the journey of self-discovery and more deeply understanding your strengths requires the use of powerful tools to assist you in illuminating blind spots or areas of opportunity you may have previously missed.  

Among the most used and respected tests are the Clifton Strengths Finder, Upon Survey of Character Strengths, High 5, and the Spark test. 

These assessments function as more than mere tests; they act as intricate personal blueprints, delicately guiding you through the labyrinth of your capabilities.

Clifton Strengths Finder: 
This is one of my personal favorites as it’s such a comprehensive and thorough assessment. Developed by Gallup (I’m actually a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach) it employs a meticulously designed questionnaire to identify and rank your top strengths, providing granular insights into your unique professional and personal attributes.

Upon Survey of Character Strengths: 
More than a survey, this tool acts as a meticulous mirror reflecting your character strengths. Employing a comprehensive examination, it dissects virtues that contribute to authenticity and fulfillment. This survey helps to hone the virtues that amplify your professional identity.

High 5: 
High 5 is an interactive dialogue with yourself. It prompts you to explore the peaks of your personality, focusing on attributes that distinguish you. Rooted in psychological principles, this assessment provides nuanced insights into your character, going beyond the surface to unravel the intricacies of your strengths.

Spark Test: 
The Spark test is engineered to ignite self-awareness. It meticulously examines the passions that kindle a spark within you. By analyzing activities that energize and resonate with your core, the Spark test provides a sophisticated analysis that goes beyond traditional strengths, offering a panoramic view of your intrinsic motivations.

Imagine these assessments as a compass within your greater self-awareness blueprint, each pointing toward the magnetic north of your strengths. They aren't just tests; they're allies in your discoveries.

The Power of Self-Awareness Post-Strengths Assessments

Completing an assessment is the first step toward uncovering your superpowers. 

Knowing your strengths is one thing; understanding how they shape your professional identity is another.

Acknowledge Your Unique Superpowers

After the illuminating experience of taking assessments like the Clifton Strengths Finder, Upon Survey of Character Strengths, High 5, or the Spark test, you've now received a treasure map. 

Each result hopefully guides you to your inherent superpowers. 

While yes these are skills and strengths; they are also the very essence of your professional being.

Translate Assessments into Actionable Insights

The assessments have provided you with a snapshot of your strengths. 

Now, delve deeper. 

What resonates with you the most? 

What surprised you? 

Which ones come most naturally for you? 

Understand the nuances of each strength and acknowledge not just what you possess but how you uniquely express these qualities.

Self-Awareness Fuels Professional Identity
Imagine that self-awareness will be the fuel that propels your professional identity. 

The people who not only identify but also intentionally use their strengths daily report not just a good but an excellent quality of life. 

Building Bridges
Teams that engage in strengths feedback don't just function; they thrive. 

As you become more self-aware, you're not merely contributing to your growth but also fostering a vibrant ecosystem within your team. 

The positive ripples of your self-awareness extend to your colleagues, creating a collective force that propels everyone forward.

Authenticity as a Professional Virtue
Recognizing your character strengths is not just about building self-awareness; it's about cultivating virtues that contribute to your authenticity. 

The more you align your actions with your authentic strengths, the more profound your impact becomes.

As you navigate this journey of self-awareness post-assessment, remember that this is not a one-time exercise. 

Embrace the evolving nature of your strengths and allow them to shape your professional identity in an authentic and dynamic way. 

Next up, we'll talk about how to transition from self-awareness to curating a professional brand that authentically reflects your newfound insights.

Navigating Strength Boundaries

Just like a skilled gardener knows the specific needs of each plant in their care, it's vital to understand the boundaries of your strengths.

Let's explore how understanding and managing these boundaries can transform your strengths into a distinctive professional brand.

The Line Between Strength and Weakness

It’s worth understanding the unique balance between your strengths and potential weakness. 

Any strength, when expressed without boundaries, has the potential to turn into a liability. 

For instance, assertiveness can transform into micromanaging, or attention to detail might morph into perfectionism. Acknowledge that thin line, and you'll master the art of using your strengths wisely.

Take a moment to reflect on instances where your strengths, when unchecked, may have had unintended consequences. 

This self-awareness is the cornerstone to boundary management.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are not restrictions; they are guidelines that allow your strengths to shine without causing collateral damage. 

If you're exceptionally organized, set boundaries to prevent overcommitting. 

If you're naturally empathetic, establish limits to protect your emotional well-being.

Seek Feedback and Collaborate

Your team is an invaluable resource in navigating strength boundaries. 

Seek feedback from colleagues who can provide a different perspective on your strengths. 

Collaborate with others to elevate your strengths and fill in the gaps. 

This collaborative approach ensures that your professional brand is not just about individual strengths but a harmonious symphony of collective abilities.

Continuous Reflection and Adjustment

The journey of curating your professional brand is dynamic. 

Regularly reflect on your experiences, learn from them, and be willing to adjust your boundaries. 

Flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring that your strengths evolve with you and remain a powerful asset.

By understanding and managing the boundaries of your strengths, you're not just curating a brand; you're crafting a narrative of resilience, balance, and authenticity. 

Building a Professional Brand: Your Unique Narrative

Now that you've uncovered your superpowers and learned to navigate the delicate boundaries of your strengths, it's time to build your professional brand. 

Think of your professional brand as the narrative that defines you in the eyes of others—a story that communicates your values, strengths, and unique attributes.

Let's explore why crafting a compelling professional brand is essential and look more deeply into the attributes that can elevate or undermine it.

The Essence of Professional Branding

Crafting a professional brand is like painting a canvas with the hues of your strengths, experiences, and values. 

It's about shaping the perception others have of you in the professional realm. 

A strong brand communicates not just what you do but who you are, setting the stage for meaningful connections and opportunities.

Positive Brand Attributes

When curating your professional brand, envision the qualities you want to be known for. 

Attributes like being powerful, smart, kind, honest, evidence-based, bold, playful, relatable, impactful, and wise are examples of positive brand descriptors. 

These attributes create a narrative that resonates with authenticity, competence, and empathy.

Navigate Away from Negatives

Just as certain qualities enhance your brand, there are attributes best avoided. Ask yourself, what do I NOT what to be known for?

Steer clear of descriptors like shame-y, superficial, soft, cold, stiff, irrelevant, pretentious, or overly corporate. 

These negatives can cast shadows on your brand and hinder authentic connections.

Consistency is Key

Ensure that your professional brand is consistent throughout your online presence, interactions, and work to reflect the attributes you've chosen to embody and want to be known for. 

Consistency builds trust and reinforces the authenticity of your professional brand.

Personal Branding Case Studies

Consider seeking out and taking notice of professionals whose brands you admire. 

What attributes make their brand compelling? 

Analyze positive examples in your industry and beyond. 

Conversely, reflect on instances where you’ve noticed a mismatch between brand and behavior which may have led to reputational challenges. 

Case studies offer valuable insights into the impact of professional branding.

Refinement and Recalibration: The Art of Continuous Growth

Building your professional brand is not a one-time endeavor; it's an ongoing process of refinement and recalibration. 

The Value of Feedback

Reaching out to request feedback from trusted colleagues who can offer honest insights into how your brand is perceived, can help guide you in this process.

Constructive feedback unveils blind spots, allowing you to make informed adjustments and refine your professional narrative.

Seeking Constructive Critique

Don't shy away from seeking constructive critique. 

Embrace it as a tool for growth. 

Ask colleagues what strengths of yours they most appreciate and where they see opportunities for improvement. 

This dual perspective can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your professional impact.

The Evolution of Your Brand

Your brand is not static; it's a living, breathing entity that should grow and evolve with you. 

Embrace change as an opportunity for refinement. 

As you accumulate new experiences and skills, recalibrate your brand to align with your current self and professional aspirations.

Recalibration Strategies

Recalibrating your professional brand involves strategic reflection. 

Consider your unique viewpoints, evolving perspectives, and any shifts in your professional intention. 

What made you unique yesterday may not be the same tomorrow. 

Stay attuned to industry trends, societal shifts, and personal growth, adjusting your brand narrative accordingly.

Balancing Consistency and Adaptability

While consistency is crucial, so is adaptability. 

Strive for a balance that allows your brand to remain true to its core while flexing with the dynamic nature of professional landscapes. 

An adaptable brand showcases resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Iterative Nature of Branding

Think of your professional brand as an iterative project. 

Each iteration brings refinement and enhancement. 

Embrace this iterative nature, knowing that perfection is not the goal. 

The goal is continuous growth and alignment with your evolving self.

As you navigate the process of refinement and recalibration, you'll find that your professional brand becomes a dynamic force, propelling you toward new opportunities and deeper professional fulfillment. 

Celebrating your uniqueness and leaning into your distinct skills and strengths has the opportunity to be one of your best professional investments.

Identifying your superpowers, understanding their boundaries, curating your professional brand, and continuing to refine it, in my experience, has the opportunity to lead you towards greater personal and professional fulfillment.

Your journey is only one that you can tell, how do you want to write the story?