“Potential: capable of being but not yet in existence. Possibility, capability or power.”

– Webster’s New College Dictionary

Francina R. Harrison is emphatic when she defines the word “potential” and stresses the importance of utilizing it. And her definition, when it comes to the workplace, encompasses more than the official dictionary definition.

“Potential, in terms of your career, is your understanding of your skills and abilities and then optimizing them,” said Harrison, co-owner with her husband Tonnie of Harrison & Associates, a career consulting firm based in Virginia.

Knowing your potential is especially valuable in finding employment, according to Harrison, who has a master’s degree in social work and has been a consultant since 1993.

“The competition for jobs is tough, but if you discover your potential, you’ll be able to beat the competition,” said Harrison, a motivational speaker and host of an Internet television career show.

She also is a freelance magazine columnist and author of “A Mind to Work: The Life and Career Planning Guide for People Who Need to Work.”

Know where you excel

“It’s really up to you to change yourself when you find it difficult to get a job – it’s up to you to recognize who you are, what you bring to the table and what you are able to sell to that potential employer.”

Unlocking your potential begins with an in-depth self-inventory. “Ask yourself what areas you excel in, what areas you receive compliments without trying,” advised Harrison. “Ask yourself if you could do anything in the world for free, what would it be?”

When you know “what you’re really good at, that you’re the best of the best, shout it out in your resume and the interview,” the career expert says. “For instance, if you work in a call center of a customer service industry, don’t say you answer phones.’ Instead say, I deliver customer service to more than 10,000 customers for a national organization.”‘

Make improvements

As for your weaker or “undeveloped” areas, work on them. “If you’re lacking in leadership skills, for instance, which are so important today, get involved in a community organization within your interest sphere,” said Harrison.

Harrison, who was a social worker for four years, working for nonprofits, said she developed her potential in 1993 when she was hired by a for-profit human services consulting company. Her hidden potential: business savvy.

“No facts said I could do the job, but I had the potential and rose several levels to manager – and that prepared me for starting my own business,” said Harrison.

Carol Kleiman is the workplace columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Send e-mail to [email protected].