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The Gallup Organization has made many people aware of the need to build on strengths. During their surveys they asked individuals to what extent they ‘strongly agreed’ with the statement: “At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.” Only one-third answered that they did. Not surprisingly, these people felt satisfied in their work and were highly productive. Building on this approach, let’s explore how you can spend more time employing your top talents.

1) You can clarify your ‘A’ talents.

Start by brainstorming what you do best – then settle on your top three talents. These activities may be closely connected. Alternatively, at first sight they may appear wildly disparate. One person wrote: “My top three talents are being able: a) To bring lessons to life when educating students at college: b) To bring out the best in actors when directing plays at the local theatre: c) To care for organic gardens. One common theme, however, was that of nurturing people - and things - to explore their potential.” You may or may not find a common theme, but begin by clarifying your top talents. Try completing the following sentence.

The specific activities in which I may have ‘A’ talents are:

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2) You can clarify the percentage of time you spend using your ‘A’ talents.

Take a look at your working week. What percentage of time do you spend doing – or preparing to do - what you do best? Peak performers are like athletes. They spend lots of time preparing, practicing and mentally rehearsing for their actual performance. This time can be both valuable and fulfilling, so it is important to factor in the preparation time. Looking at a ‘typical working week’, try completing the following sentence.

The percentage of time that I spend using –
or preparing to use – my ‘A’ talents is: ____ / %

3) You can spend more time using your ‘A’ talents.

What was your answer regarding the percentage of time you spend? Was it 80%, 60%, 40% or less? Depending on the figure you gave, here are some suggestions.

* 80%+

You are probably feeling fulfilled in your work. Being driven, however, you may be committed to making full use of your talents. Keep putting yourself into situations where you feel in your element – you feel at ease yet excel. Look for stimulating ‘projects’ and work with stimulating people in stimulating places. This will provide even more energy to keep using your strengths.

* 60%+

You may be feeling quite fulfilled in your work - but interruptions, meetings and other agendas may stop your flow. Focus on how you can spend more time doing satisfying work. If you work for yourself, explore how pursuing these activities can bring in funding. If you work in an organisation, do some ‘positioning’. Show how pursuing these satisfying activities will benefit the business. Sponsors buy benefits. So if you want to re-craft your role, remember the old adage: “Don’t go to the organisation with an idea - go with your first 3 customers.”

* 40% or less

You may want to re-consider your role. This does not mean immediately leaving your present position; but it does mean doing some serious work on exploring ways to express your talents. Big changes do not happen overnight, so begin by getting some early wins. For example, pursue the activities that give you positive energy in your personal and professional life. Start doing things that create momentum – even if this is simply gathering information. Get into the habit of doing something early each day that gets a success. You can then begin spreading these activities across the day. Don’t worry if you can’t see an instant ‘solution’, because making the switch can take time. At some point, however, you may need to put yourself into a situation where you have more opportunity to use your top talents.

Whatever percentage of time you spend doing satisfying work, try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to spend more time
using– or preparing to use – my ‘A’ talents are:

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