My Secret Sauce

My Secret Sauce

1) Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique. What is it about you, exactly, that makes you different? Write this up in a detailed list. 

My human capital consists of many characteristics about me. Below I have listed what sets myself apart of others:

1. I am very aware of my surroundings when it comes to the type of people I deal with; their personalities and intentions. 

2. I like to sit back and listen to everyone speak first, to gather information before I even take the time to speak about a certain subject.

3. I'm very skilled at predicting how people react to things, and can talk away on almost anything I'd have to.

4. When it comes to getting to know people, its never been a problem for me. If I have to go somewhere and meet someone with intentions to sell or buy, I am a very good negotiator.

5. Being analytical has always been one of my skills; I always analyze any situation I enter very thoroughly.

2) Interview the five people who know you the best. Ask them what they think makes you different -- remember, focus on your knowledge, skills, abilities, emotions -- in other words, your human capital. Try to stay away from discussing your other types of capital (such as who you know). Record each interview. In your blog post, please post a two-three sentence summary of each interview, explaining what your key takeaways are.

(My interviewees wished to not be recorded)

() 1. When asking my friend Schaffer what he thought of me, he stated that I was very skilled at using my words. In other words, he meant that I can probably talk my way into and out of almost anything. The key takeaways from this interview were confirming the fact that I probably do have a good sense when it comes to having to talk a certain way. 

() 2. When interviewing Fabio, he told me that I'm really good at mapping out situations and how to handle them. He mentioned how I was very analytical, liked to sit back and listen before I do anything. A key takeaway was more confirmation on the way I see myself being correct from other views.

() 3. After interviewing Reid, he told me that I can probably predict anyone's reactions from what he's witnessed happen. Reid is a friend that always there in situations of business for me, and stated that I can pass as a pretty good negotiator.

() 4. After interviewing Krysten, she told me that she realizes how I stay quiet often, more analytical than anything, before I speak. Adding on to what I said about myself being that way, this also confirms that it does seem that human capital characteristic is noticeable.

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5. After interviewing Lauren, she said that I'm very outgoing at anything. If any topic were to come up, that I could carry a conversation for hours. A key takeaway was also confirming this from the list of how I see myself.

3) Reflect on the differences. How do you see yourself, and how do others see you? Are there differences in how you assess yourself compared to others? What do you think causes these differences? Do you think your interviewees are correct about you? Finally, going back to your list from part 1, would you make any corrections to the list? How? 

In a way, I see myself quite advanced when it comes to having to converse with others in various settings. I'm quite sure there are some differences in the way I assess myself compared to others, because of the fact that I'm so analytical to the point where I can basically see myself and the way I act. I feel like my interviewees are correct about me because I naturally have always portrayed myself as who I really am. I wouldn't make any corrections to my list in part 1.