Play to Your Strengths

Last night I watched my latest TV obsession - Design Star. Each week the contestants compete and face ruthless judges in hopes of becoming the next design star. The stakes are high and the winner gets his/her own television show.

What fascinates me most is the reaction of the losers and why contestants get voted off the show. All the players are talented designers. So it's not for lack of skills that they fall. As the winners narrow to a hand full, one is ousted for his arrogant, know-it-all-attitude. Another gets the boot for 'lack of presence' and failing to communicate his ideas with confidence.

Beyond technical skills
Clearly, winning requires more than technical skills. I notice that what separates the winners from the losers is often their attitudes. Once eliminated, contestants reveal their true colors. One ousted designer shoots back, "I'll show you - you've made a big mistake!" While another expresses gratitude, "Wow. I learned a ton. Thank you. This was the experience of a lifetime!"

More than talents
It's the same with leaders. Knowing your talents is the starting point. Hundreds of leaders have great talents. What separates leaders who make things happen from those who don't are the intangible - the willingness to learn from mistakes, partner with others, and communicate in a compelling way. It's also about how you are perceived by others and the degree of trust you engender. The higher your trust quotient, the more others will rely on your talents.

Stay in the game
So don't get voted off the team by your employees, boss, or co-workers! Recognize the intangibles that support your talents and strengthen them. Develop attitudes and behaviors that keep you in the mix and viable in the marketplace. Ask yourself these questions...

How do I react?
Am I willing to accept and learn from negative situations and feedback? Or do I take offense easily and avoid tough issues? If so, start listening and become curious when you sense others are unhappy with your performance. Invite feedback and learn from it.

What's my impact?
Do you know the impact you have on others? Do you communicate your ideas clearly and with confidence? Are you articulate, grounded, authentic? Do you instill confidence in your expertise and services? If not, get clear about what you offer and convey your ideas and contributions in a clear, calm, and grounded way.

Do my co-workers feel valued?
Do you value the talents of others? Do co-workers feel that you trust their expertise and judgment? If not, then take time to notice the value others bring to the team and express appreciation. Ask for their suggestions and ideas. It takes different talents to succeed with a vision.

Be Big to Win Big
Remember, talents are the starting point for great leaders. To win big you must surround your talents with winning attitudes and high-trust relationships. Then you'll not only be a top performer, you'll move mountains and inspire others!

What's Your Talent Type?

Articles on Talent

To maximize employee talents, start focusing on strengths. Read Faith's article Learn from Einstein. Motivate employees. Appreciate what's working right. Read Notice What's Right.

Have a great month. And learn a lot!

Faith