Working to Your Strengths: How to Work in a Way That Suits You
In the cultural sector, you often work out of passion and commitment. But precisely because of that, it can be difficult to take a step back and consider what will help you move forward. Personal leadership is about understanding how you work, what you need, and what gives you energy—or, conversely, what drains you. By taking a more conscious look at these things, you can make choices that better suit you as a professional.
Self-knowledge as a starting point
Personal leadership starts with self-awareness. Who are you in your work, what are you good at, and what gives you energy? By regularly reflecting on these questions, you’ll gain more control over your work and be able to make more conscious choices that suit you. It helps to look not only at your tasks but also at your motivations. Why do you do what you do, and what do you want to achieve through your work? Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle offers a useful framework for this, in which you distinguish between your why, how, and what.
It also helps you discover what kind of professional you are. Everyone works differently. Some thrive on structure, while others thrive on freedom. Some people excel at organizing, while others excel at creating or connecting. Understanding this makes it easier to find your place in a role, team, or organization. Models such as the Belbin team roles, the Big Five, the Leadership Quick Scan, or DISC profiles can help with this, but your own observations are just as valuable.
Alternatively, you could take a practical and compact approach:
- For one week, keep track of what gives you energy and what drains your energy. Each day, briefly note what gave you energy and what didn't, so you can recognize patterns.
- Ask the people around you for feedback. Ask colleagues or friends when they see you at your best and where your strengths lie.
- Think about the times when you're in your element. When were you completely absorbed in your work? That says a lot about what suits you
- Pay attention to your automatic behaviors. What do you tend to say “yes” to right away, and what makes you lose interest? This provides insight into your preferences.
- Make small changes. See what you can change right away in your work; even small shifts can often make a difference.
💡 Tip: Models and tests can help you quickly gain insight into your behavior and preferences, but the real value lies in the discussion that follows. Discuss the results with colleagues, your manager, or, for example, a board of directors or supervisory board. You can also follow a career development program with a career coach. This allows you to apply these insights to your daily work. It’s precisely this combination of reflection and practical insights that helps you better understand what suits you and where you can best thrive.
Working in a place that suits you
Your job satisfaction is largely determined by the context in which you work. This goes beyond just the job description. Consider, for example, the size of an organization, the way people collaborate, and the culture within a team. If you know what’s important to you, you can make more informed choices. Does a project-based work environment suit you, or do you prefer more stability? Do you enjoy working independently or as part of a close-knit team? By clarifying these points, you can avoid ending up in a role that drains your energy rather than recharging it.
💡 Tip: One model that can help with this is Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence. This model distinguishes between things you can influence and things you’re merely involved in. By focusing on what you can influence—such as your own behavior and choices—you’ll increase your effectiveness and avoid unnecessary frustration.
Learning and Development
You don’t develop personal leadership just by thinking about it, but rather by taking action. Training courses, workshops, and coaching can help you gain new insights and develop skills. Consider training in areas such as communication, leadership, or collaboration. Or opt for coaching if you want to reflect more deeply on your career or personal issues. Interacting with colleagues or people in your network can also provide valuable insights. By consciously investing in your development, you’ll continue to grow and avoid getting stuck.
Some of the leading providers of development programs in the cultural sector include LinC, Cultuur+Ondernemen, De Metselarij, and the Generator at Cultuur Academy.
- LinC focuses on leadership within the sector. You’ll work on your vision, role, and professional development alongside other professionals.
- Cultuur+Ondernemen helps creators and organizations with entrepreneurship by providing training, coaching, and practical tools related to areas such as financing and business operations.
- De Metselarij is a learning network where professionals come together to learn from each other’s practical experiences through peer review and knowledge sharing.
- Cultuur Academy ’s Generator is a development program aimed at the next generation of business leaders in the cultural sector. You’ll work on your role, vision, and position within the field, with an eye toward the sector’s future.
💡 Tip: Cultuur Academy regularly offers training sessions and courses on leadership and collaboration. View our on-demand offerings here. If you’d like to stay informed, you can sign up for the newsletter and indicate your interest in Management & HR.
Start small, keep reflecting
Personal leadership doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It often starts with small steps. Taking a moment to reflect on your workday, thinking about what went well and what could be improved, or having a conversation about your professional development. Doing this regularly leads to greater insight. And that helps you make choices that align with who you are and where you want to go.