In the pursuit of professional fulfillment, we often find ourselves tangled in the web of societal expectations, financial needs, and the daunting question of what makes us truly happy. It’s common to chase after prestigious titles and hefty paychecks, but do these external rewards align with our inner capabilities and passions? The concept of "highest license" suggests that there’s much more to our work life than financial gain. There is a point where intellect, key behavioral attributes, and interests converge, creating an opportunity to achieve maximum job satisfaction, performance, and maximum potential.
I don't subscribe to the notion that one can become anything they wish, but I am convinced that everyone has a greater capacity—a "higher license"—than they are currently utilizing.
The "highest license" isn't a formal certification or degree; it's an internal compass that directs us to our unique areas of brilliance. For many, these areas remain uncharted, obscured by the conventional metrics of success. However, studies increasingly show that while money is a motivator, it’s not in the top 3 categories of work-related motivation. Instead, the ability to engage daily in tasks that draw upon our core strengths and interests stands as a more reliable predictor of our performance, longevity, and job satisfaction.
But what exactly is the "highest license," and how can one discover and harness it?
At its core, the "highest license" is an alignment of three critical elements of self-awareness:
Intellect: This represents our cognitive strengths. What are the complex problems we solve with ease? Which abstract concepts do we grasp quickly? It’s about recognizing the mental tasks that we not only excel at but also enjoy.
Behavioral Attributes: These are the inherent traits that dictate how we interact with the world. Are we leaders or collaborators? Do we thrive on innovation or prefer structured environments? Understanding these can lead us to roles that resonate with our natural tendencies.
Interests: Our passions are the fuel that powers our drive. What subjects do we find ourselves reading about for hours? What activities absorb us so completely that we lose track of time? Are we enterprising, mechanical, technical, or have an affinity for people service? When work doesn't feel like work, it's often because it aligns with our genuine interests.
By taking an inventory of these aspects, one can navigate towards professions or job classifications that not only suit their skillset but also fulfill their innermost aspirations. This introspection acts as a strategic tool for aligning one's career trajectory with their "highest license."
Meet Oliver, a professional in business development. He's proficient in his role and earns a reasonable income, but he senses a disconnection with his role. After deeper introspection, he recognizes that his strengths lie in problem-solving, sequencing activities, and managing processes. His natural inclinations align more with people service and technical aspects of the work, and his passion is ignited by organizing. Oliver's true calling isn't in business development; it's in project management. By transitioning his career to become a project manager, Oliver unlocks a greater potential, leading to a substantial increase in his job satisfaction, performance, and overall satisfaction.
This framework shakes the traditional belief that money and job titles are the pinnacle of career success. It suggests that individuals who work within their "highest license" are not only more satisfied but also tend to excel, catalyzing a virtuous cycle of performance and contentment. Work-life balance and company culture are important, but they are complementary to the fulfillment that comes from engaging in work that truly resonates with one's "highest license."
Organizations that recognize and foster an environment where employees can operate within their "highest license" often see a transformation in their workforce. These companies benefit from higher productivity, reduced turnover, and a more engaged team. It's the alignment of individual brilliance with organizational needs that creates a powerful synergy, driving both personal and corporate success.
To find your "highest license," begin with self-assessment tools and reflective practices to map out your intellect, behaviors, and interests. Engage in conversations with mentors and peers to gather insights into where these elements align with professional roles. Experiment with different types of work and projects to see where you feel most competent and fulfilled. In my consulting work, I use several instruments to help people assess and find their innate gifting. One such tool is highlighted below that assesses these three areas and map the ideal characteristics to specific jobs to give a % fit. While these tools typically only represent a portion of the decision-making process of a new hire, they can be objectively insightful in alignment.
The journey to maximizing your potential isn't about reaching a destination; it’s about continual growth and alignment. It's a pursuit that calls for courage to step away from the familiar and explore the untapped prowess that lies within. As you seek to find work that best utilizes your strengths, remember that your "highest license" is not just a path to personal satisfaction—it's your contribution to a world that benefits from the best of who you are. In the end, the truest measure of success isn't the wealth we accumulate but the significance we find in our daily endeavors and the legacy we build by living up to our fullest potential.
Shel
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