Word Of the Week #554: Talent
March 19, 2015 by Susan Clarke
Talent – possessing an innate ability, aptitude, or faculty for accomplishment.
Do you want to be more successful at work? Do you have a desire to be promoted to a higher position or move to a different company? What talents do you think you possess to help you achieve that?
This week’s WOW comes from Henry DeVries UT article titled, “3 key characteristics of talented employees.” He writes, “No matter what the job, there are certain qualities that all top-performing talent share, according to the owner of one of San Diego’s largest employers and the author of a popular book for those starting out or starting over in a career.”
“These are success skills applicable to almost any kind of work. They’re portable. You can take them with you from job to job. Master them and you are master of your fate,” says Phil Blair, co-owner of Manpower San Diego. He is the author of “Job Won! 500,000 Hires and Counting.”
His firm is San Diego’s fourth largest for-profit employer, providing about 3,500 jobs daily. 
According to Blair, here are three ways to be the talent that companies crave:
- Look and act promotable. You’ve got a job, but unless you plan to make it the last job you ever have, think long-term. Act like you’re a man or woman on a mission, always prepared to take the next step, to take your career to the next level. Dress accordingly. In fact, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Showcase your work when you can. Go above and beyond.
- Create value in everything you do. Don’t just cross things off a to-do list. If you have a job to do, do it well. Commit your best effort to all tasks, large and small. That might be challenging at times, but people notice.
- Be resourceful. Think outside the box. If you’re doing a job and you see a better way to do it, speak up (in a polite, respectful way). Anticipate problems and find answers before they’re needed. Don’t be afraid to do a little legwork, a little sweating before it’s necessary. It will always pay off.
A bonus tip from Blair: Always offer to work with key customers. “They are your magic carpet to being invaluable to your company,” says Blair. “If the company’s largest customer loves you, your boss will love you too.”
This week’s focus is on the talent you bring. Are you willing to go above and beyond what is expected of you? Do you put forth your best effort no matter how large or small the job assignment is? Are you able to anticipate problems and find answers before they’re needed?
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