FaithRalston.com

Welcome to the August edition of BOLD LEADERS newsletter.

It happens every August. The crickets sing loudly and the stores transition from shorts to sweaters. No matter how old I am - my psyche gets ready to go 'back to school'. Inevitably I ask myself "What's next?" September is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings.

With this in mind, I'd like you to reflect on your talents. Take a minute to learn about the four talents types and identify which one is your favorite. Then notice others who have different talents.

As September approaches, make a commitment to collaborate with others. It's easier than trying to do it alone. Learn how to 'Get More Done' by working with people who are very different than you.

Enjoy!

In This Issue

Feature Article - Stop Organizational A.D.D.

Are you frustrated with another person or department at work?

If so, you may be dealing with talent differences. One person likes to ideate - while another likes to deal with the details. Employee talents are valuable assets. But struggles with talent differences can cause problems. To succeed, we need to respect what each person brings to the table.

Talent are Key to Success
In my book on talents, I describe four distinctly different talents that are essential to success. Each of the four types plays a critical role in implementing new products and services. Most of us can access all four talents. However, we have a favorite or ‘preferred talent.'

The 4 Talent Types:
Here's a brief description of the four talents:

• Diamond Talents talents like to recognize emerging needs and imagine solutions. This individual is a master of possibility thinking. They look for ‘diamonds in the rough' and find the idea that holds hidden potential.

• Club Talents like to champion the idea and ensure its success. The Club talent uses both personal and organizational power to turn big ideas into reality. Without the initiative and structure of Club talents, new initiatives die on the vine.

• Spade Talents like to organize what needs to be done and drive projects across the finish line. The Spade talent literally ‘digs in' and gets things done. They orchestrate the details and make sure projects are completed on time and within budget. Without the tireless efforts of Spade talents, deadlines and details are missed.

• Heart Talents like to motivate others and gain commitment to new initiatives. Heart talents deal with ‘matters of the heart.' Low morale, mistrust, and team conflicts are the domain of the Heart talent. Without the caring attention of Heart talents, employee commitment and morale can plummet.

To succeed with new projects and initiatives, leaders must have all four of these essential talents.

The Challenge
When different talents work well together, it's a dream come true! Projects and initiatives thrive. But when differences arise, it can become a nightmare.

Actionable Ideas
Here are five actions you can take to optimize different talent types and get more done.

1. Mix and Match Talents
Deliberately match talents to project needs. Learn everyone's talent on the team. Encourage team members to sync up their talents in productive ways. Like a game of volleyball, individuals learn to take their best shot and set up others to hit the ball over the net.

2. Avoid ‘Too Much of a Good Thing'
At any point, you can have too much of one talent and not enough of another. There's a time and place for every talent type. Be alert to any imbalance of talents on your team and include other types to ensure optimum results.

3. Challenge "It's Not My Job!'
Respect and appreciate the talents required to get a job done. To a Spade, brainstorming and strategic planning aren't 'real work'. For Diamonds, dealing with the nitty-gritty of implementation is boring. Recognize the need for different talents and be grateful someone else loves to do it.

4. Manage hand-offs
Whenever work is handed off to others - problems can arise. This is especially true with different talent types. Clubs talents who handoff to Spades must be willing to listen to potential roadblocks. Diamond talents, who like to generate ideas, must help others catch on to the idea. And Heart talents who want perfection in relationships, must be willing to let go and move on. Each talent type must beware of their tendency to overdo it.

5. Focus on results
Everyone must be accountable for the end goal. A Diamond might think, "I've just made an incredible breakthrough! Why do I need to get bogged down with the mundane details?" But success requires that everyone keep the goal in mind and stay involved.

It takes a village to succeed in today's global marketplace. Team up with others and recognize their abilities. It's the lively exchange of talents that gets more done!

My Book on Amazon!

In the next six months I'm speaking far and wide to groups on the topic of talents. I'll keep you posted on upcoming teleclasses, interviews, webinars and bloggin activities as I hit the virtual streets.

You can help me launch! Invite me to speak to your group, give an interview, or join your blog on the salient topic of talents.

Free e-book on Talents

Want to learn more about talents? Order my new e-book. Simply e-mail me at faith@faithralston.com and say, "Please send your new e-book on talents."

Read it and share with co-workers and friends. Simply recognizing different talents helps individuals work better together.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Faith