Why We Should Follow Our Talents, Not Just Our Interests
by Aljoscha Neubauer, Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 5th Edition 2023, 270 pages
Do What You’re Good At, written by renowned Austrian psychologist and professor of differential and personality psychology Aljoscha Neubauer, is a powerful call for self-awareness—and at the same time a critical look at how we choose careers, plan our professional paths, and approach talent development.
In this well-researched book, Neubauer explores why so many people misjudge their own talents and how this can affect both their life satisfaction and professional development. Drawing on the latest findings from personality and intelligence research, he debunks the common myth that passion alone is enough to achieve long-term success and fulfillment at work.
Neubauer uses solid psychological research to show how prone we are to underestimating or misjudging our own strengths—and how that can significantly impact our overall well-being. He argues that this factor should be a key consideration in recruitment and talent development processes.
Aptitude meets interest – or doesn’t!
One of the central themes of Neubauer’s book is the often-overlooked difference between interest (what we like) and aptitude (what we are actually talented at). He introduces the concept of an aptitude-interest mismatch and makes this common discrepancy tangible.
For example, someone may believe they would thrive in a creative career but lack the core strengths required to succeed in that field. The result can be frustration, failure, or burnout. At the same time, many people have hidden talents that go unnoticed—simply because no one helps them uncover them.
What stands out in this book is Neubauer’s ability to make complex psychological concepts accessible through real-life examples, self-tests, and visual illustrations. Readers are invited not only to reflect on their own abilities but also receive practical tools to assess how their personality, interests, and strengths align.
He combines theory-based models such as the RIASEC framework with hands-on self-assessments, reflection prompts, and concrete recommendations for individuals, leaders, and HR professionals.
This book is not just for students or young professionals—it’s equally valuable for those considering a career shift. Coaches, HR managers, and leaders will benefit from Neubauer’s structured approach to talent development. He emphasizes that self-awareness is not just a private matter, but a strategic success factor—especially in times of uncertainty, talent shortages, and the growing desire for meaningful work.
His ten recommendations for avoiding an aptitude-interest mismatch—as well as his clear warnings about overconfidence, narcissism, and the Dunning-Kruger effect—are highly relevant for leadership development.
Anyone aiming to support others in their growth must first understand how individual differences work—and where the blind spots in career choices might lie.
With Do What You’re Good At, Aljoscha Neubauer delivers a scientifically sound and practical contribution to the question of what truly leads to fulfillment. The book encourages readers to take an honest look at themselves, explore their talents systematically, and base decisions not only on passion, but on a combination of aptitude and interest.
For leaders, HR professionals, coaches, and anyone involved in developing people, this book offers valuable insights into potential assessment, talent development, and self-reflection. Especially in the context of talent shortages and the rise of New Work, one message becomes clear:
To retain people in the long run, we must help them do what they’re truly capable of—not just what they enjoy.
A strong reading recommendation for anyone who wants to align profession and purpose—and for organizations that aim not just to identify talent, but to fully unlock it.
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