Three Career Power Questions That Will Change How You See Yourself at Work
Ever been stumped by a question that felt so simple… until you actually tried to answer it?
That’s exactly what happened to me the first time I asked myself: Who am I in my work?
Cue the crickets. My mind went blank. I had titles. I had skills. But none of those felt like me—not really. That moment sparked one of the biggest revelations of my professional life: I had no idea how to describe my authentic professional identity.
This is where the Three Career Power Questions come in. I developed them because I realized that the traditional questions we’re taught to ask in our careers—What do you do? What are your strengths?—only scratch the surface. They don’t help us get to the heart of the matter: Who are you, really, in your work?
So let me introduce you to the questions that cracked the code for me—and have helped countless others discover not just what they do, but who they are, and where they truly belong in the workforce.
The Three Career Power Questions (CPQs)
These aren’t just questions. They’re tools for transformation—elegant in their simplicity, and profound in what they unlock.
1. Who Are You in Your Work?
This question helps you uncover your authentic professional identity—the truth of who you are beyond your job titles or duties.
You’re not just a project manager or creative director. Maybe you’re a Bridge Builder of Big Ideas, or a Systems Whisperer. Those aren’t gimmicks—they’re real identity expressions that speak to your essence at work.
Try this instead:
How do you see yourself in your work?
What title would you give yourself if you could make one up?
2. What Does That Mean?
Once you’ve named your identity, define it. This is where your values, your strengths, your ethics, and your behaviors come into play.
Ask:
Why did you give yourself that name?
What are you doing when you’re at your best?
What does this identity communicate to others?
This is where clarity emerges. The language you use starts to reflect the deeper truth of your professional self—not just what you do, but who you are.
3. When and How Do You Want to Feel Seen, Known, and Valued in Your Career?
This last question connects identity to career belonging. It’s not just about what you do well—it’s about how your identity is received, recognized, and respected.
Try asking:
In what environments do you feel most understood?
When do you feel truly valued for your contributions?
This is where belonging starts to take root.
A Tool and a Check-In
Think of these three questions as a personal inventory—a baseline. Ask them now. You may not have answers right away, and that’s okay. Most of us weren’t taught to think this way. That’s why these questions can feel like brain-benders at first. But keep asking. Use them as a check-in now, and return to them later as a check-up.
When I first sat down to answer them, I used everything from mind maps to the Enneagram to oracle cards. I wasn’t looking for one answer—I was searching for the through line of me. That’s what these questions help you discover.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
In today’s career world, we’re flooded with shallow assessments and box-checking exercises. But what’s missing is identity. Who you are—at your core—is the real compass for your career path. Not your resume. Not your LinkedIn bio.
These questions are your starting point for developing career belonging—not just fit.
So here’s my challenge to you: Sit with these questions. Let them marinate. Don’t rush to answer. Let yourself be surprised.
And when you're ready, tell me—who are you in your work? I want to know.
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