"John Maxwell's latest book begins with the statement, "Talent is often overrated and frequently misunderstood."
From this start, Talent is Never Enough: Discover the Choices That Will Take You Beyond Your Talent takes the reader on an extensive journey into the subject of talent and how to utilize it effectively. Maxwell, it can be argued, is himself the personification of the talent his new book describes: he is a pastor, speaker, writer and entrepreneur. He has founded two international businesses and written 50 books that have sold over 12 million copies. His books have been on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Business Week best-seller lists for months at a time.
So how does this hyper-talented individual come off in his critique of talent? To begin, it is not talent itself that Maxwell criticizes. Instead, it is the fallacy-laden "talent equals success" syndrome that obsesses many American business leaders that concerns him. Maxwell suggests that many companies put finding talented people ahead of everything else. Companies such as Enron had a legendary talent focus.
This is not, he argues, an anti-talent book. The more talent, the greater the potential, whether considering an individual or an organization.
Talent, however, is never enough. It must be maximized effectively in order to create success, Maxwell argues. An individual must become a "talent-plus" person in order to use their potential. Talent is a starting point; it takes real work to achieve success, he says.
Central to Maxwell's ideas on talent is that it is universal and can be developed. Too many individuals, he argues, spend time focused on strengthening their weaknesses. Develop the talent you have, not the one you want, he urges.
Maxwell also suggests that anyone can make choices that will add value to talent. Such choices are what will set an individual apart from others who have talent alone. The author presents application exercises at the end of each chapter, but the "Talent + Belief" exercises are worth the cost of the book.
Maxwell presents a baker's dozen list of key choices that can be made to maximize any person's talent:
1. Belief lifts your talent.
2. Passion energizes your talent.
3. Initiative activates your talent
4. Focus directs your talent.
5. Preparation positions your talent.
6. Practice sharpens your talent.
7. Perseverance sustains your talent.
8. Courage tests your talent.
9. Teachability expands your talent.
10. Character protects your talent.
11. Relationships influence your talent.
12. Responsibility strengthens your talent.
13. Teamwork multiplies your talent.
Each of the 13 choices stands alone, Maxwell says. While they work together, they aren't dependent upon one another. By honing in on those choices that haven't been made, individuals can see their talent potential increase.
Maxwell is a superb synthesizer. He skillfully blends knowledge from contemporary business gurus such as Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink and Tipping Point, Marcus Buckingham, author of Now Discover Your Strengths and the father of modern management, Peter Drucker. Contemporary CEOs such as Jack Welch are given kudos for their ability to build on natural talent.
He also draws examples from historic figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Henry Clay, which make for interesting reading.
The diversity of sources is impressive; one chapter may cite Winston Churchill and Gandhi. The next includes Johnny Cash or Dr. Seuss. The list of reference notes in the back of the book chronicles extensive reading and depth of subject knowledge.
Talent is Never Enough is a skillful rendering of the need for developing talent, not only in the boardroom, but also in the classroom, sports field and living room. Maxwell has noted that Talent is Never Enough, unlike many of his leadership-based books, is meant for everyone.
Maxwell's own talent for creating such an in-depth and well-organized book on this subject certainly adds to his own reputation as a talent-plus person.
John Maxwell will be presenting in Lexington on Thursday, Nov. 1 as part of the Third Annual Unbridling the Spirit of Leadership in Kentucky Communities Conference. The event is in partnership with Commerce Lexington Inc. and Kentucky Educational Development Corporation. For ticket information, contact Grace Gorrell at 859-226-1630 or ggorrell@CommerceLexington.com
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