10.19.18 | Kendrea Williams | 

As many of you may (or may not) know, I consider myself a novice in navigating the tech ecosystem. From learning to code to discovering how to manage and deliver software products, this past year provided an immersive experience in personal discovery. By unpacking how to overcome these new career challenges through exploring new ways of doing business, I am identifying a new me.

Now, when I say that I am “discovering a new me,” I am referring to the realization of my underlying strengths and weaknesses since I embarked on this new journey. I’ve taken a plethora of assessments as part of this adventure, including DISC Assessments, Kolbe Evaluations, and Clifton Strengths,  in addition to employer-provided skill assessments apps such as Agile Onion and Pocket Prof.

I can wholeheartedly confess that I’ve improved my ability to define my personal and professional strengths and weaknesses accurately. It’s been instrumental in my transition from the not-for-profit sector into a career in technology.

Digging In

So what did these assessments reveal? Plenty; a plethora of new things about me personally and professionally. My initial takeaway was beginning to understand my values and what guided me in my professional work. Don’t get me wrong – we are all raised with a particular set of values, whether good or bad, which guide us into our adult years. However, we are rarely directed about professional values.  “Ideal” professional ideologies should come naturally from our “ideal” personal values, well, at least they are supposed to be, right?

According to Gallup, the most dynamic people are those who truly and deeply understand their strengths and behaviors. This recognition of the skills you have acquired throughout your career can provide you with an underlying sense of your current abilities, as well as an accurate perspective regarding your natural talents. All of which offers a keen insight regarding your professional “why.”

It’s essential for an individual to find out where their work values lie.  When we value our contributions, we increase the chances of being satisfied in our careers.  Though not every job will fulfill our every move, knowing what we appreciate upfront is essential to determining if that outstanding job offer is from a company whose culture and values are somewhat in alignment with ours.

The Big Reveal

Here’s what I discovered from these assessments regarding my strengths:

• Contextual: Looking back to the past to understand the present.  I like to ask questions and allow the blueprints to emerge.
• Restorative: Enjoy the challenge of solving problems by analyzing the solution.  I like to bring things back to life.
• Strategic: (my favorite and most likely most dominate trait) It is not a skill that can be taught. I am always playing out scenarios and asking, “what if this happened.”
• Developer: Ability to see the potential in others.  In my view, everyone is a work in progress, and I enjoy helping them discover their potential.
• Input: Collecting and holding onto things of interest. It’s true, while I would not consider myself a hoarder, I can pride myself on my impressive home library…i.e., book collection.

Moving Forward

Empowered with this information, I have found areas of weakness where I could use additional training, as well as rediscovering areas of strength.

Diving in with these assessments has been incredibly valuable in helping me know the real me. I challenge you to take the time to invest in yourself and empower your authentic identity.

Let’s connect. 
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