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Last night I watched my latest TV obsession - Design Star. Each week the contestants compete and face ruthless judges in hopes of becoming the next design star. The stakes are high and the winner gets his /her own television show.

What's fascinates me most is the reaction of the losers and why contestants get voted off the show. All the players are talented designers. So it's not for lack of skills that they fail. As the winners narrowed to a hand full, one is ousted for his arrogant, know-it-all-attitude. Another gets the boot for ‘lack of presence' and failing to convey his ideas with confidence.

Clearly, winning requires more than technical skills. What separates the winners from the losers is often their attitudes and behaviors. Once eliminated, contestants reveal their true colors. An ousted designer shoots back, "I'll show you - you've made a big mistake!' While another expresses gratitude - "Wow. I learned a ton. Thank you. This was the experience of a lifetime!"

It's the same with leaders. Knowing your talents is the starting point. Hundreds of leaders have great talents. What separates the leaders who make things happen from those who don't are the intangible - being willing to learn from mistakes, partner with others, and communicate a compelling vision.

Effective leadership requires more than the sum of your technical abilities. It's also about how you are perceived by others and the degree of trust that others have in you. The more others trust you - the more they will rely on your talents.

So don't get voted off the team by your employees, boss or co-workers! Recognize the intangibles that support your talents and strengthen them. Develop attitudes and behaviors that keep you in the game and viable in the market place.

Consider these questions to stay on track...

Am you willing to learn from negative situations and feedback? Or do you take offense and avoid tough issues? If so, start listening and become curious when you sense others are unhappy with your performance.

Invite feedback and learn from it.

Do you recognize the impact you have on others? Are you communicating your ideas clearly and with confidence? Are you perceived as articulate, grounded and authentic? Do you instill confidence in your ideas? If not, get clear about what you offer and convey your contribution in a calm and centered way.

Do you respect and value the talents of others? Do co-workers feel you trust their expertise and judgment? If not, then take time to notice the value others bring to the team and express appreciation. Ask for their suggestions and ideas. Respect that different talent types are required for project launch and completion.

Talents are the starting point for great leaders. To win big you must support your talents with winning attitudes and high-trust relationships. Then you'll not only be a top performer - you'll also move mountains and inspire others!

Topics

• Leadership