HOW AM I DIFFERENT? WHAT IS MY COMPETITIVE EDGE?
Studies have shown that 80% of employees view themselves as performing in the top 20%. This simply is not possible and it means that most employees have an inflated view of their value in the marketplace. You need to get honest with yourself so you can clearly articulate your true value.
Your competitive edge or unique value proposition are skills, behaviors, traits that the marketplace needs to be successful. These needs are changing constantly so you need to have the ability to articulate your edge and prove your marketplace worth and/or determine your gaps and build worth in the areas of marketplace need.
It’s okay if you can’t define your edge right now because this moment can be the springboard for you to define what success looks like on your terms and what you need to do from a growth perspective to achieve that result.
Just like a company, you personally need to get honest with yourself and be crystal clear as to your individual competitive edge over others in the marketplace or what you aspire for that edge to be.
Below is a more in depth look at what you need to consider when both determining your competitive edge:
Commodity – Stop thinking that skills that you and everyone else has is a differentiator. It may be a “ticket to the dance” but it doesn’t make you special so stop presenting it this way.
Outdated Skills – We all have them. We just have to admit them and stop acting like they are still important.
Other People’s Edge – Honestly admit others have skills for certain positions that you just don’t have. The question is, “What are you going to do about it?” You may need to get some of those skills just to complete to “get a ticket” to the opportunity but other skills you may conclude are skills that I don’t want based on my desired path and I’m okay with them having that edge in that area.
Your Edge – True skills or higher-level proficiency in those skills the marketplace needs that you can PROVE through results or accomplishments. Not just your opinion.
New Skills Needed – We all need to anticipate future needs in all areas of our lives. Your profession is not different. What skills are in demand that I don’t have and what am I going to do to get them?
Use the following Competitive Edge Worksheet to determine your “Edge” or what you need to do to obtain that edge.