2008 - What Talent Do You Have?
We all have talent of some sort.
How do you know what is innate talent, what is talent you could be the best in the world with, and what talent do you get paid to do?
The Hedgehog Concept from Jim Collins
The Talent You Have and Know It
“He’s a natural with numbers.” “You are so good at presentations.” “She is gifted with a scientific approach to problem-solving.”
You have demonstrated your talent, accepted your talent, and use it as often as you are able. It is as much of who you are as the color of your eyes. It is what you were born to do.
The Talent You Use to Get Paid
You may not like coding software programs, waiting tables, or teaching freshman English. You have come to realize that you are good enough to get paid to do these things. Acquired skills and developed talent are there to serve you. The recognition of this talent comes in the form of money in the bank.
The Talent You Have and Do Not Know It
Listen to your family, co-workers, and friends. Even strangers. If you are getting positive feedback on something you do not even consider a talent, spend some time reflecting on what is going on. Is what you are doing so commonplace, natural, or seemingly effortless that you don’t know you’re doing it? You may have uncovered a real talent that is uniquely you. This is something you may be the best in the world at. It is your passion and you do not know how good you really are. You just know you would do this work for free if you could do it every day.
The Intersection of Talent
What is the best pursuit to make the most of your talent? That is an open question with as many answers as there are individuals. The answer does lie in the intersection of the three circles as described by Jim Collins. Find your sweet spot today.
A final question: Do you want to be known as the best in the world, or as doing your best? Source here.
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Here is an interesting video that may inspire you to use your talent! (ensure you have your speakers on) It starts here. And ends here.
Happy New Year!
Stumble it!
Joe Raasch :: Jan.02.2008 :: Change Management, Innovation, Life ::
What a great discussion of this topic! Vote for best line goes to: “If you are getting positive feedback on something you do not even consider a talent, spend some time reflecting on what is going on.”
There is really a lot in there. It is a key for entire organizations, too, to maintain strategic relevance.
Hi Jim,
Balancing talent and humility is what probably limits people. An innate fear of success, really. Taking a little time to reflect on positive feedback, and discussing with a confidant or two, can be a sincere growth experience.
Joe
Joe,
This is one of my favorite topics and the main focus of most of my consulting.
What I’ve found fascinating over the years is the fact that because people are genuinely talented at something, they often don’t acknowledge it as such for their life’s work.
Why not?
The human condition says, “If it’s that easy, it must not be important.”
Thanks for keeping the issue out there.
Hi Steve,
This is similar to a ‘fear of success’, right? We get to a tipping point in our career or life, and back off because, “if it’s that easy, it must not be important.”
Your comment highlights the need for everyone to have a mentor or coach in their life.
Thanks for stopping by!