More Than Finding Your Color

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde

When I first heard this quote some years ago, I thought it was one of the greatest things anyone had ever said. It is about individuality, uniqueness and self-worth of each of us. It is also about courage. Because to be ourselves, we have to learn and accept who we are.

My Birkman results certainly explain why I was eager to leave my banking job (despite two years of debating with myself), and even when I still worked at the bank, why I spent my weekends drawing and painting. Well, I’m “Blue” with interests in creative activities, abstraction, new ideas and approaches, as opposed to “Yellow” where typical job titles include banker, financial analyst and accountant. Luckily, I can now create new approaches and strategies, and plan how to do things. It feels good to be myself.

Obviously, I’m not telling you to change your job or career. But, I’m saying that knowing your distinct personal style can help you excel on your unique strengths, develop other aspects of your personality and become a desirable employee. I often use the Birkman Color Key with my coaching clients as a starting point for their professional development process.

So, now it’s your turn:
1. Where does your personal style fall?
2. What are your unique strengths and interests?
3. What can you do in a better or different way?
4. How can you show your potential in the workplace?