Coach Newman's Corner

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June 16, 2007

Talent is never enough

Dr. John C. Maxwell is a recognized leadership expert.  I have been reading his new book: "Talent is NEVER enough".  Discover the choices that will take you beyound your talent.

In working with junior tennis players, each of them has varying levels of talent.  We can classify, for tennis purposes talent into four areas:  physical, technical, tactical and mental.  Players who are very talented in one of these areas often times need help developing the other areas as they often rely on their given talent.  Usually that talent only gets them so far and then they need to develop other areas to continue to move up the junior tennis ranks.

Peter Drucker, the father of modern mangement said: "There seems to be little correlation between a man's effectiveness and his intelligence, his imagination, or his knowledge...Intelligence, imagination and knowledge are essential resources, but only effectiveness converts them into results.  By themselves, they only set limits to what can be contained" 

If talent were enough then the most effective and influential people (and tennis players) would be the ones with the most talent.  But consider this:

More than 50% of all CEOs of Fortune 500 companies had a C or C- average in College.

65% of all US Senators came from the bottom half of their school classes.

75% of US presidents were in the lower half club in school.

More than 50% of millionaire entrepreneurs never graduated from college!

Clearly talent isn't everything.

Maxwell says the following:

"Everyone has Talent"

"Develop the Talent you have, not the one you want"

Anyone can make choices that will add value to Talent"

He lists 13 key choices that can be made to maximize any person's given talent:

Belief lifts talent

Passion energizes talent

Initiative activates talent

Focus directs talent

Preparation positions talent

Practice sharpens talent

Perseverance sustains talent

Courage tests talent

Teachability expands talent

Character protects talent

Relationships influences talent

Responsibility strengthens talent

Teamwork mutiplies talent

 Maxwell's formula is Talent + Right Choices = A Talent-Plus Person

"The talent-plus people are the ones who maximze their talent, reach their potential, and fulfill their destiny."

We will be using this book this summer with our players in the Academy Program to help them become Talent-Plus athletes.

Posted by Jack Newman at June 16, 2007 4:20 PM