In an earlier post on understanding your best foundation for developing talent we talked about how talent is most easily, and sustainably, developed in the areas that we are naturally (and enthusiastically) drawn to…

“Understanding what works for us, and what doesn’t, is a very important step in understanding where and how we can develop our talent; because talent is largely the set of skills you are willing to commit yourself, relentlessly, to developing.

Once you understand those areas where you’ll be best able to develop talent, it makes it a lot easier to narrow down the kinds of careers that are likely to suit you. It’s no longer a matter of trying to pick the best option from a big bag of potential futures, but looking at what is already within you and developing that into a fulfilling career path.


What do you know about yourself so far?

Have a go at completing the following statements (in a notebook, on your phone / laptop, or wherever) based on where you think your talent may best be developed. Pull up your hoozyu data - by logging into the platform, or reviewing your one-page summary report if you have a copy to hand - and use it to complete the 2nd and 3rd statements.

You can take as much time over this as you need to get clear in your own thoughts.


  • My overall impression is that I might be well suited to become…

  • My Interest and Organisational Focus scores that support this view are…

  • My Usual and Need descriptors that also support this view are…

  • This makes me feel…


Have a look at what you wrote in response to that last statement. If you have written positive words - e.g. “excited, intrigued, happy, enthusiastic” or even words like “daunted, challenged, nervous” that’s great! Feeling nervous is just a sign that you recognise there are areas you need to further develop yourself in.

If, on the other hand, you have written really negative words - “sad, disappointed, depressed, gutted, demotivated”, then we have a problem: something is not computing. If you have really understood your motivational and Grid scores, that should be a “woohoo!” moment - not a “boohoo…” one.


If that’s you - if you’re feeling distressed or discouraged by what you see in your data, why not talk it through with a trusted friend or mentor, if you haven’t already. They may be able to help you locate the root of any sadness or disappointment you’re feeling in this area.

Maybe you feel inadequate to pursue the areas your scores are pointing you towards, or maybe you’ve got so far down a certain path and you think it’s too late to reroute and aim for something different.

The truth is that, if you’re wise, nothing you learn need ever be wasted. The skills developed in one field can almost always be transferred to another; the experience and discipline, knowledge and practice from one pursuit can inform a wide variety of other areas in your life. (If you want to learn more about this check out our recent post on transferrable skills.)


Check out Understanding your Career Options Part 2.