What Talent Do You Have?

November 15, 2023

This is my dog Texas, the one who recently had an encounter with Mr. Skunk. Well, let’s just say we survived that after a few weeks. This pic was taken from our front yard where Texas likes to “guard”, well more like “oversee”, the front yard activities.

He keeps a watchful eye (when he’s not napping) on the squirrels and the neighborhood cat who wonders by. I’m really not sure he’s the “guarding” type of dog as he tends to be very easily swayed by a hotdog or some snacks.

The ironic thing about this is, Texas was never taught to guard the front yard. From a puppy, I never trained Texas to do this. In fact, Texas was a backyard dog until a few months ago. Looks like he got a promotion and now he does this naturally every time we are in the front yard.

In your roll as a leader, Mentor, Coach, colleague what do you do well naturally?Back in the day, we may have called it “Talent”. Now there’s a word you probably haven’t heard in minute. You don’t see the word “talent” used very often in current motivational TEDTalks, or in the latest, greatest seminar. But everyone has at least one, if not multiple.

When some hear the word “talent”, they think of a musical ability, an artistic or athletic ability or something generally outside of the workplace. We tend to associate the workplace with terms like “performance abilities or skill sets, etc.” But they are typically not the same. I know, we could discuss that for a minute or two.

Leadership “talents” in the workplace can be the talent to lead, to influence, to build relationships, to connect, the talent to motivate, to inspire, to encourage, the talent to bring people together and so much more. This list could go on and on.

As leaders, mentors, and colleagues, being mindful of our own talents, the talents of the individuals around us, and engaging those talents at all levels, help one another achieve greater success and fulfillment in our professional and in our personal lives.

People thrive when their talents are engaged.What talent(s) do you have and have you engaged them lately?

Remember, to motivate someone in a positive way today, engage your own talents and encourage the talents of those around you, keep an eye out for pesky squirrels in the front yard, and watch out for dragons. #bestlife50