Showcase your [S]trengths to amplify your influence

Ready to brag about yourself? Because once you have your Principles, Interests, Exceptions, and Reluctances, it’s time to round it out with your Strengths for the complete PIERS framework. 

Talking about our Strengths might be the scariest step because self-doubt and imposter syndrome affect all of us. A great way to get around that fear is to focus on the soft skills you’ve developed over the years. For example, “online education” might be new to you, but you could be great at running online sessions, doing 1:1 interviews, or copywriting. 

Another tip? Ask people who you trust, like your partner or a former manager. Talk to people who are known for being kind, but direct.

If all of that still has you coming up empty, here are some questions to help get you going: 

• What am I good at?

• What skills do people compliment me on?

• What are some surprising results I’ve achieved in previous projects? What do those results tell me?

• What did I gravitate toward as a kid?

 Here are some of my Strengths: 

• I’m good at being open about my struggles. The writing that I’ve naturally gravitated to is about my own experiences as an entrepreneur—the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

• I’m good at the Internet. I’ve always had an introverted side, and instead of socializing and playing sports with the other kids, I became a master of the internet. I’ve been figuring out how things work online and on my computer for decades.

• I’m good at 1:1. Big groups have never worked for me, but get me in a 1:1 conversation and I’m great at listening, expressing myself, and connecting.

Exercise: Solidify your strengths 

Now it’s your turn. Take a minute to reflect on the following questions and write down responses for each.

• What am I good at?

• What skills do people compliment me on?

• What are some surprising results I’ve achieved in previous projects? What do those results tell me?

• What did I gravitate toward as a kid?

Next, highlight the key Strength in each section. 

What did we learn?

What is a Strength?

Why is it important to include Strengths in your Twitter profile?

What are two of your Strengths?