At the end of your life, will you have used up your most extravagant talents? Some may stand by like sundials in the shade but successful workers capitalize on their unique capabilities – however they define these.
Einstein, for instance, said … “I have no particular talent, I am merely inquisitive.” Those who see where curiosity lead this genius would likely also agree that the art of questioning life is one of the highest talents for living it at the peaks.
It’s common knowledge that people use far less of their talent than they possess. Neuro-experts increasingly recognize that wasted, unused or hidden talents can literally shrink a person's brain. But how can a person develop more talent, given the complexity of the brain to spot hidden or unused talent, and the rigidity of some workplaces to value unique capabilities of its workers? 
Three recommended ways can help to discern your unique capabilities. Ask, What do you enjoy doing most, what do you find yourself doing most often, whenever you get the chance, and in what specific ability do others tend to say you excel? The one capability that answers these three guides, will likely be your significant talent – and one you'll want to develop and use more at work.
Find that one niche and you’ll begin to fuel surprising outcomes at work, as well as increase your own personal satisfaction from your chosen field. If you are still unsure which talents to use more, why not draw on a different intelligence daily? Whichever intelligence gives you a solution to a problem at work – likely offers you the chance to begin to build.
Maya Angelou often reminded readers, that every person is born with talent. I agree. Behind most talent is skill and hard work though. Regardless of how many talents a person has, for instance, it takes smart skills and a bit of effort to polish rough stones into fine gems for specific challenges at your workplace….
First, it requires self-motivation and will power, especially when the barriers strike. Talent is developed by oneself at times and alongside others at times. Whether alone or in teams, success depends more on motivation than most people realize.
Second, talent takes regular reflection to track your movement forward, sideways, or even backward at times, and to make the adjustments needed to progress.
Finally, talent has been described to be much like electricity. Turn it on and enjoy the lights, warmth and motors. But parts need to be replaced regularly and upgraded periodically if you hope to maintain talented results at the competitive edge. You’ll also want to stay in tune with changing times.
For instance, say your talent is to address groups…. Since, we now know from reliable research that lectures genuinely work against human brains, that new insight should shift one’s emphasis on lecturing – regardless of personal talents - and should call up core questions for consideration about the future of gifted lecturers. Do you agree?
I agree completely. Here is another one for you, Ellen. Recently, my company has interacted with a speaker/consultant type person. Knowledgeable in his field, he has written books, and lectured quite a bit. Frankly, I find him to be a huge turn off...he has not one single ounce of modesty or humility. He is condescending at best. Does this happen as a natural result of being an author and of being told too often how good you are, or is it a sign of a personality flaw/issue. Almost every author I have met falls into the camp of "Aren't I great?"
I wish there were a stock market for some of these guest lecturers/authors. I would short their stock.
~GL
Keep up the insightful work.
Posted by: gl hoffman | January 4, 2007 8:14 AM | Permalink to Comment