First off, I'm not a big typology person. Yes, I just described not being the kind of person who is into "the kind of person" tests. Typology (or personality) tests have their place. Don't get me wrong! I do really enjoy learning about what type of person I am. It just does not answer the big questions I want answered: what am I called to do?
Here at Magnificant we believe the "who you are" is essential to plotting your way forward, and that that path is one uniquely tied to you. In the world of big data, there is a fascination with producing and seeing truth as an average of many, many instances. But as my pastor says, "Never has there ever been, neither is there now, nor will there ever be another me."
You are a powerful instance.
So how can you start to identify your special track, or the mark that you tend to leave?
1. Think deeply about your work and contribution. We've all seen the LinkedIn titles that broadly read, "healthcare executive" or "branding expert," or some other overture that just quickly announces their stake in the ground. I find them to be very useful for a professional profile, but not as much for defining one's professional life. You can describe your contribution in general ways, or you can own your expertise in what works, dig in deeply, and scope how you "for real" contribute.
This level of thinking shifts "healthcare executive" to "civic leader adept at translating community-level feedback into thoughtful, system-level strategy." Its not about wordiness. It is about specificity. Often the people who operate in your field, will understand how that small nugget or thing you do/say/see might make all the difference in the work they do. Use your inside knowledge of what works to attract those who know what it takes.
Get specific about what contribute. Insiders will get it. Game recognizes game.
2. Understand what bothers you. After you analyze what special touches are needed to do good work in your field, think about the problems you identify as well. Why? I believe you often see what you are built to help solve. No, not everyone is as infuriated as you are when information is not shared with the team. No, no one cares as much as you that the client isn't getting the personalized communication you believe is required. And no, everyone does not see why that program isn't a "best practice" until it is evaluated.
Some distinctions you notice are indeed a matter of your training, but if you are at a loss as to why others are not seeing what you think is obvious, it might mean it is something you have been called to solve. If it is your unique problem, it might be on your track.
They may have 99 problems, but find that one or two that truly speak to you. (Also, I should be a rapper.)
3. Track what you do, but like...everywhere. Simple enough: when trying to isolate what you uniquely bring to the table, look around the many tables in which you sit, stand, and serve. If you are a mother, how is your work style consistent, if at all, with your parental role? If you are a mate, how do you show up similarly at work as with your spouse? As a friend, what are you constantly attending to or noticing that may also apply to work at your job life? Even if you separate "church and state" with your personal and professional life, I tend to believe that where there is overlap, there is authenticity. Much can be (and child, has been) said about authenticity, but there is a real power in a soul (you) showing up to deliver the goods.
Because I see your track record as being so intimately tied to you, and your calling, I would guess, girl, you are showing up all over the place, and doing what you were meant to do, or seeing what perhaps only you see. (Side note: Starting here may be most helpful for those who cannot see what they have done in one space. Or, some may struggle with being very alive in their personal lives, but dead at work. The extent you can find a space, place, and time to be one person, makes your life wayyy less draining.) Whatever your case, knowing that overlap is one of your most powerful track records recorded: it's you.
In your truest form, you are a living track record.
What do I mean? You, as a powerful instance, are dynamic. You are not your past, as the resume would assume. Neither are you the title you are hoping to get. You are this living thing that responds to something deeply set in the center of her. You are a response to a greater idea. Once you can connect with your calling, you can more powerfully own your track -- past, present, and future.
"Never has there ever been, neither is there now, nor will there ever be another me." - Pastor Johnson