Discovering what makes you unique
Teachers' strengths
Deer in headlights. 😳
That's what I tend to see when I ask teachers what they’re good at. They freeze. Uhhhhhh.
Your strengths are probably not something you think much about.
But hey, I bet you could rattle off 5 things you’re not good at or that you’re trying to do better without batting an eye!
Hmmmm.
It’s so easy to ignore what you’re good at and focus on what you're not good at.
Let's change that!
Considering your strengths for a career transition
According to Gallup (the company that administers the CliftonStrengths assessment), “people who have the opportunity to use their top 5 strengths are:
6x as likely to be engaged in their job
6x as likely to agree that they have the chance to do what they do best every day
3x as likely to report that they have an excellent quality of life.
So yeah, you want to be doing work that allows you to use your strengths!
What is a "strength"?
First let’s define what we’re talking about when we say “strengths.”
According to Gallup CliftonStrengths (an online assessment), "Strengths are your natural talents developed over time."
A strength comes naturally to you. It exists innately. It’s built into your DNA.
You don’t have to “learn” a strength.
A strength is part of who you are...part of your essence!
Using your strengths feels easy. In fact, you might not consider it a strength because it’s so easy. You might even assume that because it’s so easy for you, it must be easy for everyone else too. (It's not!)
You will almost always enjoy using your strengths.
I like to describe strengths with this river metaphor:
When you’re using your strengths, it feels like you’re kayaking down a river with the current. Easy. Little to no resistance. You can move quickly. It’s enjoyable!
When you’re not using your strengths, it feels like you’re kayaking up a river on a kayak against the current. Hard. Lots of resistance. You have to work hard and it’s slow-going. It’s not fun for long, if at all.
Your skillset (what you can do) will be very similar to other teachers' skillsets, but your strengths (what you're good at) will be uniquely yours.
Examples of teachers' strengths
Your strengths are unique to you, and they can be very different from other teachers.
This is one way that "strengths" differ from "skills." Your skills (what you can do) will be very similar to other teachers' skills. Your strengths (what you're good at) will be uniquely yours.
For more about identifying your teaching skills, read my blog post, What are my skills as a teacher.
Because your strengths are so unique, I can’t give you a list of common strengths for teachers. It’s too dependent on who YOU are.
But here are a few examples of strengths from the teachers I've worked with (from the CliftonStrengths assessment):
Discipline
You finish almost every task you ever start, easy peasy. You consistently get up at 5 a.m. to do your exercises. You're great at setting up routines and structure in your classroom.
Learner
You love to learn and become competent at something new. You are naturally drawn to taking classes, reading more books, and listening to podcasts. You are great at helping your students get excited about learning, and you are a vast well of knowledge.
One of my strengths is Empathy
I can walk into a room and pick up on what other people are feeling without any effort. I'm good at feeling and anticipating what others need or want.
These are just 3 examples of the 34 strengths from the CliftonStrengths assessment. They might not be your strengths, but that doesn't mean you don't have any. Everyone does!
When you’re using your strengths, it feels like you’re kayaking down a river with the current. Easy. Little to no resistance. You can move quickly. It’s enjoyable!
What are your strengths?
Here are a few ways to identify your own unique strengths:
Reflect on different areas of your life (teaching, kiddo/pet parenting, hobbies, volunteering, etc…) and identify what comes easily to you.
Notice when you're "in a flow" at work.
Consider positive feedback you’ve received from students or supervisors.
Take the CliftonStrengths assessment by Gallup. As of writing this, it costs $24.99.
Join my online group course, Teachers at a Crossroads. We take the CliftonStrengths as one way of identifying what you have to offer
Ask other people what you’re good at. It’s good to get an outside perspective and it feels amazing!
Once you've identified your strengths, reflect on how much you get to use them as a teacher. If you don't get to lean into your strengths in the classroom, there's better work out there for you.
Next, consider whether your strengths actually align with the career ideas you're exploring. Considering a career change to working in libraries? Are your strengths a match with the roles and responsibilities?
Last but not least, get comfortable talking about your strengths so that you can share what's unique, special, and relevant about you to other people (your supervisors, possible future employers, etc...)
Share your strengths with me!
I'd love to know what you're learning about your strengths. Email me at coach@lauralitwiller.com or share them in the comments below.
Focusing on your strengths instead of your weaknesses will give you confidence about what you have to offer and clearer direction about where to take your career.
Do I just ignore my weaknesses?
Maybe for a bit, yeah!
Your weaknesses don't need to be the focus of your personal and professional development. It can make you feel inept and unqualified (even when you're not).
Focusing on your strengths instead will give you confidence about what you have to offer and clearer direction about where to take your career.
This might be a real mindset shift for you. It's straight up counter-cultural! Let's start a revolution!
I can help you identify your strengths
Know your strengths already? Share them with me! Email me at coach@lauralitwiller.com or share them in the comments below.
If you're feeling stuck pinpointing your skills & strengths or don't feel confident that they're worth much beyond the classroom, I can help.
Through 1:1 coaching or my online group course Teachers at a Crossroads: Exploring Career Change & Discovering the Path That's Right for You, we'll dive deep into your skills & strengths to uncover your superpowers!
I'm Laura, a career transformation coach for teachers feeling stuck.
I help you explore career possibilities beyond the classroom so that you can make a confident choice about what's next, based on your strengths, values, and what you want most for your life.
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