What's Your Superpower

​Want to get ahead in your career by landing that dream job or promotion?  Figuring out your superpower sets you apart from your peers and competition.  Read on to learn about 3 different assessments that will help you.
 
I love assessments.  I love everything about them and do them every chance that I get.  Some may think it is a little weird but I get lots of valuable insights from them, insights on how I deal with people, how I make decisions or seek out information, and what are the underlying factors that motivate to succeed.
I believe that the knowledge we gain through doing assessments gives us the confidence and the tools to pursue our dreams and to figuring out our superpowers and how we can use them to our advantage.

Think about all of those strengths questions you get in an interview and think about using the results of the assessments – it will give your answer so much oomph and depth.  Think about selling yourself, your superpower is key to ensuring you stand out from the crowd!
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My superpower is being able to get to the core of a person, often within minutes and even over the phone.  This is something that I’ve always known and it wasn’t until university and taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) that I learned this is common as an INFJ.  This is a superpower that I use every day as a career coach and recruiter.  But also, knowing this gave me the confidence to make the leap into this career!

There are so many assessments out there and many provide a lot of valuable information.  I wanted to discuss three that I love most.  By doing these assessments you will get a full picture of what motivates you, what you bring to the table and the environment that will support your growth.

1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most famous personality assessments and is used widely throughout the world in education and business. 

After completing the assessment you will be assigned one of  16 different personality types based on a combination of preferences regarding 4 factors: 

Where we get our energy from: Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)
How we take in information:  Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
How we make decisions: Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
How we approach the world: Judging (J) or Perceiving (P) 

What I love about it: I love how researched it is which means the information is valid and reliable.  I love how it paints a picture of what I need to be the best of me.  As an I, I need lot of time to myself. As a J, structure is like a blanket – so comforting!  It also has given me an awareness of how others work best – for those that are P (structure suffocates them), I know not to overwhelm them with plans, for those that are T (make objective decisions using facts and their heads), I know how to present them the information that they need to make the decision that is best for them. 

Me: INFJ, this is a rare personality type.  An INFJ is an idealist with a strong sense of morality.  They are dreamers but the J allows them to make the plans and take the steps to fulfill their dreams.  INFJs create strong connections with people which requires them to take a lot of time by themselves to recharge and tend to leave a lasting positive impact. 

Test Link: www.16personalities.com (free!)

2. StrengthsFinder 2.0 (now CliftonStrengths)

I have heard a lot about StrengthsFinder over the past two years and its “scary accurate” results, so of course I had to take it.  It looks at a person’s “talent themes” see to what skills they can develop relatively easily and which types of roles lead to success. 

I haven’t found a good free assessment, so I can only recommend the paid version.  It is a 177 questions (30-40 minutes), each question is a pair of statements and you have to say which is most like you in a specified amount of time and will give you your 5 Strengths (out of 34).

What I love about it: I love how it is specific to the workplace which means it can really provide great information for career changes or determining how to navigate your current company.  It also provides information on how you can leverage your strengths to be successful.  
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Me: My five are:
1.    Input – craving to know more, an information gatherer (also a classic INFJ characteristic).
2.    Intellection – known for their intellect.
3.    Connectedness – believe that there are no such thing as coincidences.
4.    Learner – continuous improver and lover of learning
5.    Empathy – great at putting themselves in other’s shoes.
 
Test Link: www.gallupstrengthscenter.com
 
3. Enneagram Test

This is the newest assessment that I’ve seen making the rounds.  The Enneagram has 9 different types (each represented by a number) focusing on how we think, feel and act in with the world, people and themselves – really getting at the core of our motivations.
 
What I love about it: Motivations are tricky for people to truly understand and I love how this assessment gives us that information.  This allows us to understand why we make certain choices, how we may react and what may be holding us back giving us what we need to make that crucial first step!
 
Me: 2, Considerate Helper and 6, Loyalist and 7, Enthusiast
Twos desire to be liked and appreciated.  Sixes are fiercely loyal, and trustworthy.  Sevens are energetic and optimistic, they feel like they are useful to the world.
 
Test Link: https://enneagramtest.net (free!)
 
Have you ever done an assessment that you have found illuminating and “scary accurate”?  I would love to hear some of your types and numbers, so if you do one of these tests please let me know!

If you need help finding your superpower, then I have the challenge for you!

The Find Your Way to Career Happiness Challenge - a free 5 day ecourse full of videos, a Facebook group and lots of support on helping your on your way.