“Potential: capable of being but not yet in existence. Possibility, capability or power.”–Webster’s New College Dictionary
Francina R. Harrison is emphatic when she defines the word “potential” and stresses the importance of utilizing it. And her definition, when it comes to the workplace, encompasses more than the official dictionary definition.
“Potential, in terms of your career, is your understanding of your skills and abilities and then optimizing them,” said Harrison, co-owner with her husband Tonnie of Harrison & Associates, a career consulting firm based in Virginia Beach, Va. They opened their firm in 2003.
Knowing your potential is especially valuable in finding employment, according to Harrison, who has a master’s degree in social work and has been a consultant since 1993. “The competition for jobs is tough, but if you discover your potential, you’ll be able to beat the competition,” said Harrison, a motivational speaker and host of an Internet television career show.
More Top Picks Best Walkers With Seats For Seniors
She also is a freelance magazine columnist and author of “A Mind to Work: The Life and Career Planning Guide for People Who Need to Work” (iUniverse, $10.95).
“It’s really up to you to change yourself when you find it difficult to get a job–it’s up to you to recognize who you are, what you bring to the table and what you are able to sell to that potential employer.”
Unlocking your potential begins with an in-depth self-inventory. “Ask yourself what areas you excel in, what areas you receive compliments without trying,” advised Harrison. “Ask yourself if you could do anything in the world for free, what would it be?”
When you know “what you’re really good at, that you’re the best of the best, shout it out in your resume and the interview,” the career expert says. “For instance, if you work in a call center of a customer service industry, don’t say you `answer phones.’ Instead say, `I deliver customer service to more than 10,000 customers for a national organization.'”
As for your weaker or “undeveloped” areas, work on them. “If you’re lacking in leadership skills, for instance, which are so important today, get involved in a community organization within your interest sphere,” said Harrison, also known as “The Career Engineer.”
Other potential areas may take longer. “A professional making a career change after 15 years in business wasn’t familiar with technology,” related the consultant. “But he had potential.”
His first assignment was to get an e-mail account. “He also took a computer course and eventually became more Web fluent,” said Harrison. “He’s now a Google maniac and has his own laptop. And his potential to handle technology–in addition to his considerable business ability– led to his job as a business development manager, using the Internet to connect with customers and markets. He has tripled sales of his new company.”
Harrison, who was a social worker for four years, working for non-profits, said she developed her potential in 1993 when she was hired by a for-profit human services consulting company. Her hidden potential: business savvy.
“No facts said I could do the job, but I had the potential and rose several levels to manager–and that prepared me for starting my own business,” said Harrison.
Realizing your potential is gratifying. The consultant says she often asks herself, “Wow, why couldn’t I have done this 10 years ago?”
And, potentially, she could have.
———-
Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in Monday’s and Tuesday’s Business sections. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV.