Self-awareness for Professional Success

Identifying your character strengths can be a powerful tool for career development and success. By leveraging your strengths, you can build a fulfilling and successful career that aligns with your values and interests.

According to Robert Holden, a British author, speaker, and coach who specializes in the field of personal development, self-acceptance is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and happiness. Self-acceptance involves acknowledging and embracing all aspects of oneself, including strengths and weaknesses. Holden’s teachings on self-acceptance encourage individuals to embrace their authentic selves and let go of self-criticism and judgment.

One of the ways you can embark on this journey of self-awareness for professional success is by identifying your character strengths.

There are several different models of character strengths, but one of the most widely used is the VIA Classification of Character Strengths. VIA (Values in Action) is a classification of character strengths and virtues developed by positive psychologists Chris Peterson and Martin Seligman. This model identifies 24-character strengths, such as creativity, leadership, kindness, perseverance, honesty, and others.

These strengths are organized into six broad categories:

Wisdom: creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, perspective
Courage: bravery, perseverance, honesty, zest
Humanity: love, kindness, social intelligence
Justice: teamwork, fairness, leadership
Temperance: forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation
Transcendence: appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, humor, spirituality

Identifying your character strengths can be very helpful in your career for several reasons.

Increased self-awareness: By identifying your character strengths, you can gain a better understanding of your values, interests, and skills. This increased self-awareness can help you to make more informed career decisions and to choose career paths that align with your strengths and values.
Improved job performance: When you use your character strengths in your work, you will likely be more engaged, motivated, and productive. You are also more likely to be successful in your work, as you are leveraging your natural talents and abilities.
Career satisfaction: When you use your character strengths in your work, you are more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied in your career. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your work and improve your overall well-being.
Career growth: By leveraging your character strengths, you can develop new skills and take on new challenges in your career. This can lead to opportunities for career advancement and growth.
Personal branding: Identifying your character strengths can help you to create a personal brand that sets you apart from others in your field. By highlighting your unique strengths and abilities, you can differentiate yourself and position yourself as an asset to potential employers.

Hadassah Littman-Ovadia is a researcher in the field of positive psychology, whose research focuses on the study of human strengths and virtues, as well as factors that contribute to psychological well-being and flourishing. Specifically, Littman-Ovadia’s research has focused on the identification, measurement, and development of character strengths.

The research suggests that character strengths are important resources that can contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Research has found that people who use their character strengths more frequently report higher levels of well-being, greater satisfaction with life, and a sense of flourishing.

Some organizations using VIA Strengths include Coca-Cola, IBM, PWC, University of Toronto, RCSI University of Medicine, and Health Sciences.

Discover your strengths NOW. Take the FREE personality survey to see if you’re applying them at work.