day 550: Talent Within Us

We can get so focused on the talent that is outside of our companies that we fail to recognize the talent that is already working with and around us. Typically, those who have the job of filling open positions are so focused on the external recruiting side of the equation that it becomes unbalanced and there is not as much focus on the internal talent and how they should be developed and groomed to take jobs in the future. Anyone who feels like they were ever passed over for a promotion while they watched someone else be hired from the outside into the role has experienced this first hand. Without a doubt there are many times when new blood and new thinking is required into an organization and the only way to get that is to hire from the outside. However, there is a balance and when organizations consistently fail to recognize the talent that is within then there will be a follow on pattern of attrition that can become unhealthy. There is also an emotional impact on individuals when they are not seen or felt to have been developed and brought along. As with any of us, when we feel like our talents are unappreciated or taken for granted we can begin to believe there is something wrong with us and we can fall into our own pattern of not pushing to our full potential or performance. This is the worst outcome of all. It is human nature that we miss or ignore the talent within. Jesus said to his disciples; "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among relatives and his own family." Are there people within your organization who with a little more recognition and sponsoring could be the talent that is being overlooked? Could you be the one who provides that extra spotlight and attention for them that allows them to grow and develop and be recognized as extraordinary talent already within the company? It's a worthy question and exercise and one that will not only be of value to your organization but more importantly, to a person who's life will be touched in a positive way and for us to be the one who provides that touch can be part of what we are supposed to do.

Reference: Mark 6:4 (New Living Testament)

day 487: What Is Required?

"To whom much is given, much is required". We all know this statement and Word of God. Some people take it very seriously, others don't think much about it all. Those who take it to heart usually end up doing something good with the rewards they have received from their talents, their work, their financial gains. But, how often do we think about what is really required from us, especially at work, from what we have been given? This is not about giving back financially but about doing an inventory of our talents, skills and experiences and seeing how we could spread those to other people. A missed opportunity for most of us that we don't see is that we can be teachers and developers of others. And all we have to do is think about what we are good at and pass the learning and the knowledge on to someone else who doesn't have the skill or yet the experience. If we are good at something, we are blessed. That blessing has been given to us. Now, what are we required to do with it? If we take the time to look around at others with who we work and begin to see part of our requirements to build them up and make them better, then we may be fulfilling why those talents were given to us in the first place. So, today, think about what you are good at and thank God for that! Then, become deliberate about passing it forward and passing it along. Do this and who knows how much more might be given to you!

Reference: Matthew 25:29 (New Living Testament)