Here's the question:

What does Microsoft see as its core strength?

In other words…

If Microsoft created a list called “here’s what our company does well”, what would be at the top of this list?

Have a think before you read on…

And once you’re ready, I’ll give you the answer.  From Bill Gates himself.

Brainy Bill has been reported as saying that if you go to the Microsoft offices and ask this question to a few members of staff, no-one will mention tech, or software, or hardware.

Instead, staff will tell you that what Microsoft does best is hiring.

Now, maybe this answer is obvious to some people.  But I didn’t think it was obvious.

And it goes to show that it pays to ask around.  Other people often know better than we do, even if we think we know better ourselves (which we often do!).

And when it comes to our own strengths, this is something to keep in mind.

A second example, much closer to home:

I remember sitting down with an old boss for a performance review.  I thought my boss would tell me how organised and productive I was.  I’d already given myself a pat on the back for both.

But to my surprise, he didn’t. 

Instead, my boss said I was too “task-oriented”.  But one thing I did do well, he said, was diplomacy.

No-one had ever told me this before.  So it was news to me.  And it was good information to know.

Not just because I enjoy finding out more about me, but for more practical reasons too. 

Knowing your strengths has all sorts of uses.  It helps with making decisions, manoeuvring for new positions, or hitting your goals. 

It could also open up new opportunities.  That little diplomacy nugget might’ve influenced my decision to become a coach.  Who knows.

But either way, what’s true for Microsoft and what’s true for me could also be true for you:

What you think someone else does well might be different to what other people think.  And what you think you do well might be completely different to what other people think too.

And it pays to find out.  To get as much information as possible by asking as many people as possible.

So with this in mind…

How many people have you asked “what do I do well?”  When was the last time you asked them?  And who else could you ask?

The more people you ask, the more the answers might surprise you.  And the more useful intel you could get hold of.

That’s all for today.

 - Tom

p.s. I’d love to know:

Why did you read this email?

I have a few guesses, but I could be wrong.

Perhaps the subject line intrigued you?  Maybe you’re looking for some helpful ideas?  Perhaps you’re curious about what I'm getting up to in my life?  Or maybe you simply enjoy reading my emails?

How close am I?

I’m really curious.

So if you’re up for sharing, feel free to hit reply and let me know