Focus on One Thing

You look around and find yourself in a sea of professionals. Hundreds of people that have the same role you do as a leader. Okay, you begin to acknowledge that not everyone works in the same industry or at the same company. Though how do you move from being a commodity to being known for your brilliance or expertise? 

I am going to focus on the one thing you can do to move the needle now and position your brilliance. 

With so many people occupying the same space and performing a similar role, it’s vital to establish a key strength you want to be known for. This key strength is a skill that comes naturally to you. When using this key strength you never feel tired and always feel like you have energy to spare. 

Word of Caution: You may take this skill for granted because it comes so easy for you. You might even find yourself saying, ”Oh anybody can do that!” That is simply not true. The truth is no one can do it like you! Embrace and celebrate your brilliance. If not you, than who?

Define your Difference

Your difference is the magic ingredient that separates you from everyone else. It is that special “something” only you can do. It is not just what you do that creates the magic it is how you do it that sets you apart from the crowd. 

For instance...

You know people that are “good at working with people”. This statement is generic and does not position a difference. To consider how to position the “good at working with people” difference, let’s look at two engineers. Raymond and Kate are both Directors at the same company in different departments. 

They are both praised for how well they work with people and each want to be known for this key strength. So how do Raymond and Kate translate this generic statement, “I’m good with people,” into the magic that supports their expertise? 

They need to individually identify what they are specifically doing when working with people that makes them different. 

Listen to Feedback

Raymond was recently given feedback about how grateful the sales team was to have met face-to-face with the leader of marketing. This face-to-face meeting was Raymond’s idea and it resolved a main issue, trust. Meeting in person gave the sales team an opportunity to discuss their concerns and feel heard. The fact that the marketing lead flew out to meet with them to discuss their challenges and clarify solutions for their customers was a win-win for everyone. 

The Sales Director was so appreciative that Raymond orchestrated a face-to-face meeting. This one meeting initiated open communication and provided cross-functional opportunities that allow each team to be more effective. It made all the difference!

Raymond realized his magic ingredient: building trust through establishing solid relationships. Raymond is exceptional at bringing a human connection to everything he does. He intuitively knows when an in-person discussion will accomplish so much more than a conference call or email ever will. 

Kate is often provided feedback on how good she is at working with people. One of her team leads recently shared how great it is when Kate attends meetings. The team continues to be engaged and productive when Kate is present. 

Kate has a way of getting everyone to open up and share ideas. Most often, when a senior leader sits in on a meeting there isn’t much discussion. When Kate is present everyone is comfortable and willingly shares their ideas. 

Kate asks great questions and gives praise when people share. She has found her magic ingredient: bringing out the best in people through showing interest and expressing appreciation. 

These two leaders are both great at working with people. Now they have the ability to position and promote their brilliance by having defined their magic ingredient. This magic ingredient sets them apart and allows them to stand out for their difference. 

So how can you stand out for your difference? 

• Identify the key strength you want to be known for.
• Listen to feedback from others on what you do well.
• Get clear on “how” you get your results.
• Define your “how” to effectively position your difference.

These are essential steps in finding the unique twist to take a skill that is a commodity and customize it to show your brilliance. It is critical to uncover your magic ingredient and use it often so you become known for it – there’s no sense keeping it a secret, right? 

When your magic is loud and clear to you, it will become loud and clear to others. This is when others begin to seek you out specifically for your brilliance. 

Leave a comment and let us know how you are brilliant! 

Get real and align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention to play bigger and achieve outstanding results!