What If Emeril Lagasse Were A Busdriver?
On October 28, 2009 in Thought for the Day
f Emeril Lagasse drove a bus, we would never know the talented chef and restauranteur he is. If Tiger Woods were a salesman, we would never know the talented athlete and golfer he is.
We know these two to be talented – but there is more to it. They are talented because they know what they are great at and chose roles that use what they are great at. In other words, they get to do what they are great at every day.
Each of us is great at certain things. The requirement is that we know ourselves well enough to know what our talents and strengths are, then to choose roles at work and in life that allow us to use what we are great at. Those who are exceptional at building and maintaining relationships are more talented in sales and service roles (think how less successful they would be in analytical roles that did not include personal contact). Those who are naturally passionate about and good with details, precision and accuracy are a better fit for technical, accounting and scientific roles.
Fame is not a requirement of being talented. Leslie, who manages my podiatrist’s office, is talented; she can run an exceptionally efficient office and make every patient feel well cared for and important. Amanda at the Phoenix, AZ Vera Bradley store is talented; she is exceptional at listening and interpreting what customers want and need. Jack, my electrician, is talented; his detail focus ensures he is on time, his work is precise, he offers meaningful suggestions, keeps things clean and bills fairly.
Talented people are all around. They work in roles that play to their strengths. Their workplace considers them great. As customers, we love dealing with them. Are you one of them?
What are your talents? (Need help to identify your talents? Use my Talents and Thinking Style Assessment). Does your job let you play to what you are great at?
Build your talent plan to identify your talents and to work in roles that allow you to use what you do best. Start noticing talented people around you – and how they use what they are great at. See how fired up! they are about their work. It is inspiring.
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