“Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?”Benjamin Franklin
I drive my sister crazy with all of the questions I ask people that I meet. But, if one of my life’s missions to to help people understand what they are good at, then my questions must remain. [Note to sis: Coleen, I love you, but I’ve got to keep on keeping on with my questions!]
By paying attention and asking the right questions, you will likely discover many hidden talents among your leaders, peer, team members, family members, friends, volunteers, yourself.
Many leaders are in a situation know where they cannot hire more talent. Why not ask the following four questions of the talent you currently have to determine how to maximize your resources?
1.
Turn a compliment into an interview.
2. Ask why employees prefer certain tasks or projects.
3. Inquire about dreams.
4. Analyze how people think, not just what they do.
I will also suggest that you consider asking these questions of yourself. I know a number of people in the midst of a job search, and they feel at wit’s end with what to do next. I am hopeful that these questions may be a source of freeing your thoughts to find what it is that truly inspires you.
Adapted from Steven DeMaio’s How to Identify Your Employees’ Hidden Talents. 24 June 2009