Leverage Your Uniqueness

By Pamela Jett

I recently ran across a wonderful quote by Theodore Roosevelt. “Do what you can with what you have, where you are.” I thoroughly enjoy the notion that we all can bloom where we are planted and that regardless of where we are or the resources we have at our disposal, we can do our best to succeed.

As you likely know, in my communication and career advancement programs I often talk about leveraging your activities to get noticed or to achieve your career goals. I decided to take huge liberty and modify the above quote. I would like to think that success comes when you “do what only you can with what only you have, where only you are”.

As professionals, we ought to be aware of our unique talents, gifts, and strengths and use them to our advantage. You are the only one on your team (or even within your organization) who possesses your particular blend of talents, skills, and experiences. You are unique, one-of-a-kind; there is no one just like you. Use your uniqueness to succeed where you are at the moment. This requires a willingness to volunteer to assist on high profile projects where your skills might be a good fit, speaking up in meetings to let others know you possess those skills, and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes across your desk.

Your uniqueness, if you are willing to speak up and let others know about it, can be your ticket to career success.

Pamela Jett is a communication skills expert who believes that words matter. She works with organizations, associations and individuals who want to improve their communication skills for business and personal success. She can be reached at Pamela@JettCT.com, toll free at 866.726.5388, or at her website www.PamelaJett.com.