“Power” is not just about physical strength, it is a subset of the abilities and qualities developed throughout life. It can be as simple as ‘always being on time’ or as complex as being the person who remains calm in a crisis, or the ‘go-to’ person for answers about technology.

When faced with a challenge Power often works, so we use it more, and get even better at it. We become known for that ability, and others admire it in us.

• Think about times where you've achieved more than you expected. What did you bring to these situations that made the difference? What did you contribute in your own unique way of doing things that others would have found difficult?

• What positive feedback do you receive from others for how you act or approach things in the world? Why do they like having you around? What do you contribute to them? Which of your qualities make the biggest difference to them?

When we notice strengths in others it is often either those which reflect our own, or those we aspire to. We see these in close friends, acquaintances, or even famous people and fictional characters who have made a strong impression.

It can be easier to see Powers in others, rather than in ourselves.

There are three things to do with Strengths...

1. Strengths you listed for yourself and others are included here.

Looking across all the comments try to identify a shared or important theme and create a phrase that articulates your Power. This is no time to be modest – make a bold statement.

• For example: “I am good at summarising people’s thoughts in a way that makes things clear for them”

2. This Power should be celebrated, however it is unlikely to work in every circumstance. Consider a situation that didn’t go well – was this a case of over-using your Power, or using it in the wrong place or at the wrong time?

You can repeat the “yes but...” exercise as many times as you like, then list the three most relevant things.

• “yes but... sometimes I need to listen more”

The “yes but” exploration of our Power begins to reveal our Edge, and helps us discover where we may be over-using our Power.

3. Work with the “yes but” ideas to create a second part to your Power statement which summarises what you have said as if you have already mastered this Power, so that you can affirm what showing those qualities feels like and sounds like.

• “I am good at summarising people’s thoughts in a way that makes things clear for them, and I know when to talk and when to listen”

Power is often intuitive and can determine our response regardless of the circumstance. When the world changes around us it is not always the best approach. At the edge of what we already know there is often a good alternative which is more effective in the new circumstance.

Edges are often areas we are curious about, requests from others, or suggestions for our development.

• What are the things you wished you could do better, or do more easily? Are there times when you rely on your existing Power, when something else that you do not yet know would have helped more?
• What negative feedback do you receive from others? What do they need from you to contribute that you aren't always able to deliver? What would make the biggest difference to them?

There are three things to do with Limitations...

1. Improvements you listed for yourself and others are included here.

Looking across all the comments try to identify a shared or important theme and create a phrase that communicates your Edge to others. Write this statement as if it is already a Power, a positive rather than something that we need to fix.

• For example: “I lack self confidence” becomes “I am confident about my knowledge and abilities”

2. There are situations where using the Edge is not the right choice. As you did with the Power, test the Edge by exploring when this might not be effective.

• “yes but… my experience is limited”

3. Work with the “yes but” ideas to create a second part to your Edge statement which summarises what you have said and helps to overcome its limits.

• “I am confident about my knowledge and abilities, and have an experienced network of colleagues and mentors”

Some more examples:

• I am energetic - yes but… others sometimes need space to reflect - and I know when to step back
• I am quiet and thoughtful - yes but… people don’t understand me - and I share my reflections
• I get into action - yes but… I don’t always take others with me - and I check in before acting

Now you have identified and articulated your Power and Edge, try this thought experiment:

• Think of something that went well recently - was this an example of using your Power?
• Now think of something that didn't go so well - could this have been an over-use of your Power?
• In either of these circumstances, what would have happened if you had used your Edge?

Identify some low-risk situations where you can set your Power aside and try your Edge; learning how to be effective in a world that has moved on.

Being aware of your default response (Power) makes it possible to choose to respond differently. The Edge is often very near the surface and easy to access. By using it you incorporate it into your Power, and it becomes part of you.

And then, inevitably, the world moves on again but this time you are better prepared.

It can help to let others know about your Edge. If you use your Power in situations where your Edge might be a better choice, they can point that out. As long as their commitment is to help and support you, then it is easy to hear their message.