As HR leaders, we're experts at identifying others' strengths. We can spot potential in employees, guide talent development conversations, and help teams leverage their capabilities. Yet when it comes to recognizing our own strengths? That's where things often get fuzzy.
I see this pattern repeatedly in my work with senior female HR leaders. They're brilliant at developing others but struggle to articulate their own value. They're certified in every assessment tool available – Hogan, DISC, Clifton Strengths – yet rarely take time to apply these insights to their own careers.
Perhaps you're the go-to person for solving complex people challenges, the one who successfully navigates difficult conversations, or the leader who consistently delivers results. Yet at night, you might find yourself scrolling through job postings, wondering if you're really making an impact, or questioning whether you're truly good enough for that next big role.
Here's the truth: You've likely been so busy being everyone else's HR hero that you've become a bit of a hidden gem – valuable, but not fully recognized, even by yourself.
This self-doubt isn't uncommon. In fact, 75% of high-performing senior female leaders experience imposter syndrome (KPMG, 2022). For HR leaders, this challenge is uniquely complex because our professional identity is often tied to supporting others. We're comfortable being the behind-the-scenes force that makes organizations work, but less comfortable stepping into the spotlight ourselves.
Our strengths often hide in plain sight. They're in the problems we solve so naturally we don't even recognize them as special.
Through my years as an HR leader at companies like IBM, UBS, and Barclays, and now as a coach, I've observed that our strengths often hide in plain sight. They're in the problems we solve so naturally we don't even recognize them as special. They're in the approaches we take that seem obvious to us but are amazing to others.
This is where coaching comes in. It's not about learning new skills – you already have plenty. It's about:
Uncovering the unique value you bring that you might be taking for granted
Recognizing patterns in your success stories that reveal your core strengths
Understanding how to leverage your capabilities in ways that energize rather than drain you
Building confidence to use your strengths more intentionally and visibly
One simple tool I share with my clients is the "brag file" – a place to document wins, positive feedback, and successful projects. It's not about ego; it's about evidence. Evidence that counters self-doubt. Evidence that helps you recognize your patterns of excellence. Evidence that shows you're not just an HR hero for others, but a leader worthy of investment in your own growth.
Ready to uncover your hidden gem and step fully into your strengths? Let's have a conversation about how coaching can help you recognize, embrace, and leverage your unique capabilities. Together, we'll move beyond the standard assessment tools to discover what truly makes you exceptional.
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I work with female senior leaders in Human Resources who feel stuck to help them love their work or find work they love. Like this newsletter? Please sign-up, share + follow me if you found this interesting. I write about:
👂 Executive & career coaching
📄 Career development and career transition
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