The “Dime A Dozen” Nature Of Talent
If a thing is very common and easy to get, we say it is ‘a dime a dozen.’ And that is exactly what talent is.
Let me explain.
In a recent seminar I wrote at the bottom of my white board, in small writing, ‘talent’. And next to it I wrote the word ‘low’. I then proceeded to write in large letters at the top of the board the word ‘high’. And then beside that word started to write what I felt were much more important qualities in a life. Words such as: positive in speech and action, a ‘can do’ spirit, patient, attends to detail, teachable, people skills, servant, excellence, never having own agenda, willing to work for a common goal, non-offensive, co-operative, understanding, willing to learn, does what is asked to do, keeps their word, character, honesty and integrity.
I then went on to explain for the next hour why, as an employer, I placed all those qualities far above talent. And particularly as I franchise my business - I am not going to be looking so much for talent first and foremost, but will in fact be looking for far higher qualities in my applicants.
For it is my experience, that whenever I do need talent, I can simply Google, and talent appears in abundance. But then comes the challenging process of sifting through the quantity of talent to find those who have these high qualities evident in their lives.
Don’t misunderstand me. I am not anti-talent - because all the staff I have are super talented in many different areas. But they are also people who demonstrate these high qualities, and it is these qualities that I admire so much as a human being and fellow traveler on this road called life.
So develop your talent, but at the same time develop that which is higher and more valued in your life - for these higher qualities will last you a lifetime and bring you much blessing.
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