Do You Own Your Awesome?

Last week my nine-year-old asked for homework help: How many seconds in three hours?  I asked him what 60 times 60 would be.  He said, “1,200.”  I said, “Hmmmm, what about trying again.”  To which he said, “Yes, 6 plus 6, then add the two zeros.”  And I asked him to try again, again.  And then the light went on, “Ohhhhh, 6 times 6.  Then it’s 3,600.”  Good.  And nice job on the two zeros.

My son is nine and his mind is still open. Plus, math is linear. Do you ever wonder if you are getting the success equation wrong?  How do you know you’re not working away, only to discover that what you are doing won’t add up to a promotion or a job offer?  On the other hand, what if you knew how things work and exactly what to do to get what you want, on your terms.  You’d still work hard but you’d have the right roadmap, and confidence all along the way.

Knowing your awesome and its impact is the first step of the Free Agent Solution. Think about just one of your strengths. On a page, draw a circle and put your strength in it.  Now make a larger circle and write one or two positive things that strength does for your team.  Next circle your department or company, then the bottom line.

When we get them right our strengths have multiplier effects, like the 3,600.  When we focus too much on matching the strengths of others or beating ourselves up for our weak spots, it won’t get us to the answer.

Not sure about this exercise? Schedule a free 30-minute Bust the Chains Strategy Session.  You’ll love what you learn and you’ll get a taste of what coaching makes possible.